Paul - Memories of a Friend and Brother

I'm not going to beat around the bush, but I don't blame anyone who does. Two days ago I said goodbye to a friend and (to me) a brother. Paul Hughes was a great guy, and although it wasn't appropriate to share this at his memorial, I want to share this now. I made these notes the day after his tragic accident as I couldn't focus on anything else really... This is who Paul was, in my eyes...

• Paul was a very loyal friend who always made us feel good and considered others' needs ahead of his own. He loved his family and his friends.
• His Faith was strong. Even the last time I saw him (a week before his death) he encouraged me greatly to keep strong in my commitment to Christ, even though his life wasn't rosy at the time.
• He spoke about other people with love and respect, even if they had hurt him.
• He loved the past (eg ABBA, retro things (re-runs etc) even if other's didn't share his appreciation) but looked forward to the future.
• Paul & Julie gave me a home when things were tough. I have never forgotten this kind gesture of several years ago, but it cemented my friendship with Paul and showed me the person he was.

Paul was excited about coming up to Gloucester to visit Ian & myself in late August. We had even put a date to it. Paul, we wish you were here, but know that where you are is even better than the Shire (even though the Dragons are far better than the Sharks! ;)).

In loving memory of Paul Hughes 1972-2004.

Kath xo

Rain...

It's always a good thing when it rains in Gloucester... and today it is!  I am at home (what a shock!) doing various things that resemble domesticity.  I even cooked Ian tuna and veges for lunch...

Looking forward to a low-key but hopefully productive week.  I really don't want to drive our courtesy car a lot, not that there's anything wrong with it, but I miss our Forester....

Kath xo

CRASH!@?!

Yes, that's right.  I was all set to drive back to Gloucester via my friend Lisa's house when my car went under the rear of a ute at Eastwood.  My bonnet is folded in half and the car is now in rehab in Artarmon.

I got driven by the mechanic to the hire car place in  a Z3 (BMW, der..)... will stick to the 3 series - not so close to the ground...

Kath xo

Early in the morning....

I have just come home from a good night out at my friend Paul's place.  It had been a bit of an "all over the place" day for me (both high and not so high points).  I even got Paul to watch Stingers!!!
 
It's funny how we take things for granted - it's the simplest things in life that really give life it's value.  Catching up with old friends (I have done a bit of that this week or so) and giving myself time to grow as a person.  A good example of this was catching up with Dave (of 'cafedave' fame).  He made me laugh like I had never been away from Sydney!
 
I hope this makes sense (I am blogging this at 12.45am so it's not assisted by caffeine).  Travelling back to Gloucester tomorrow... (using my father in law's computer - hope he doesn't mind..).
 
Kath xo

Pilgrims in the USA 2005!!!

WHOO HOO! Ian & I are going to the USA late next year. We had planned to go to see Pete & Joni (San Fran) & Julie (NY). Over the weekend (Nutrimetics state seminar) I found out that the International Seminar venue 05 was USA (final destination will be let out of the bag later this year). This means that I can earn my way to the USA!!! (or "More to spend at Tiffany's/Macy's/Bloomingdales/Chanel").

Whoo Hoo!!!

Kxo