Yesterday a very special friend died.
I've known Paul for 4 years and during that time he became more than a T'ai Chi Instructor, he became a very dear friend and mentor.
Everyone who came to his T'ai Chi class will know how much fun Paul could be. I'm surprised any of us actually learned T'ai Chi through the laughter. But then, Paul was an excellent teacher.
Paul can't be summed up in a few words. He can be summed up in just one - unique.
As we go through life people come and go. Some remain lifelong friends, others just pass through and leave a small memory of themselves behind. Paul was someone who touched everyones heart because he reached out with his. He was only part of my life for a short time, but he gave me so much.
When he first became ill we'd literally spend hours on the phone talking about everything and laughing a lot together. When he rang me to tell me he had cancer, then we cried together.
There is an old saying that when the pupil is ready the teacher will appear. Paul not only taught me T'ai Chi, he reawakened a spirituality in me which had been asleep for a long, long time. For that I will always be grateful.
I have one more wish for "The Boss" -- safe journey... He knows what I mean...
If you would like to add your thoughts to mine, please click on the COMMENTS box below. I promise I will pass every one on to Barbara, his mother, and David, his brother.
Do East Riding Council think we are plebs
11 years ago
3 comments:
This is very sad news about one who is so young, although I didn't know him personally, his class members spoke of him with affection and a high regard for his work as a teacher of T'ai Chi and someone they called a very dear friend. Here was someone who brought his passion to our village hall with his T'ai Chi classes. Condolences to his mother and brother, his pupils will miss his friendship terribly. I do hope they can continue and keep his memory alive, which will be a fitting testament to his life and contribution to our community.
I'm notoriously bad at remembering people, ask anyone who knows me, but having met Paul only the once, and then very briefly, I remember him very well. It was his good natured friendliness and enthusiasm which struck me most. His passion for the T'ai Chi class was obvious even to an outsider. His pride in the club and joy at being able to pass on his knowledge was very evident. What was equally plain to see was his ability not only to teach the moves but to build lasting friendships and loyalty. I know that Paul has not been well enough to join Club members on a Friday night for some considerable time but that didn't seem to stop everyone from continuing to think of him as their leader. I am sure there are few who would have generated so much loyalty and support in similar circumstances.
My thoughts and condolences to friends and family. The loss of such a lovely person is going to leave a sad gap for many. I sometimes think there's a lot of truth in the old saying that only the good die young, it's certainly true in this case.
I only met Paul a couple of times, but feel he was one of those people not easily forgotten. He made a huge difference to the lives of those people who shared his enthusiasm for Tai Chi. RIP
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