I’ve been pretty out of sorts over the past week and a bit. One of my best friends died suddenly and at the young age of 32.
He had some addiction problems and relied on me “like an older brother” and I too had learnt to rely on him, sharing with him some of my own ‘personal’ problems.
Even now when I have the sort of problem I would normally share with him, I feel a deep twinge of sadness. I’m sighing alot these days. But in many ways, he is out of his suffering now and has moved on (I believe) to a better place.
I am sure he is truly at peace.
So why am I rambling about this? Well for one thing, it’s my way of saying goodbye to a dear friend. And two, it’s to remind you that life really is for living.
We honestly do NOT know what lies around the corner, for ourselves or for those around us.
Don’t hold back. Life really is too short.
Like they say ‘dance like no one’s watching’ ;-o)
Here’s to you Mel
Melvyn Eley, 1976-2008
4 responses so far ↓
1 Vanda // Oct 23, 2008 at 8:43 am
Hi I was Mel’s partner. Would like to hear from you. I’m glad he talked with you and I’m sorry he can no longer help you with your problems.
He was a wonderful man and left us too young and our lives are a little sadder for that.
How did you know him?
2 GK // Oct 26, 2008 at 3:33 am
Vanda - my thoughts are with you. And I’m glad you found my little tribute to Mel.
I used to work with Mel at DCMS (just around the corner from Trafalgar Square). I was his manager before I moved organisations.
To me, Mel was one of life’s good guys - you just couldn’t be ‘down’ with him around. He simply wouldn’t let you stay down ;-o) I still miss him.
But as this blog is all about, there is always something positive to take away from every situation - no matter how difficult it might seem in the moment.
Granted, it can take an awfully long time for us to see what that is, but I still believe that things always happen for a reason.
- Greg
3 Kate Driscoll // Nov 27, 2008 at 9:16 am
Hi Greg,
I found your article on Melvyn and was deeply touched.
I am his oldest niece, and I miss him so much, in fact its getting harder not easier!!!
Me and Melvyn were ever so close up until the last year, since the drink to him away. I wish, wish I could have him back.
I just want to truly know he is at peace and that he knows I love him and will never forget him. I do have some really funny and fantastic memories we shared together, from when we were kids and when I had my kids, Im sorry to ramble on, anyway Take Care, hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards
Kate
4 GK // Nov 27, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Kate
Thanks for your comments. I’m surprised and pleased that you found my blog. I made the post not as a tribute to Mel, but as my way of saying goodbye to him (because I didn’t get that chance).
I, too still miss Mel, most days as well, so I do feel for you.
This might not mean much, or make much sense right now, but I know how Mel himself would have got over this situation - he’d have made some wise crack and just got on with things. You couldn’t keep him down for very long.
As hard as it may seem, maybe we should try to do the same when we can?
I guess he has taught me how to get through this and his spirit will live on in all of us.
- Greg (GK)
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