One Man Down: Vale Wes
It was a time of sadness
At Sippers time on Thursday,
For we’d just received the news
Our mate Wes had passed away.
Our group of old ‘chalky’ friends,
All long retired from teaching
Meet each week over coffee;
Supportive, and most caring.
Our backgrounds all intertwined
As we moved across the state,
During decades teaching kids;
Proud to call each other mate!
And so the bond continued
During our retirement years,
Sharing anecdotes, good times,
Potholes, – including our fears.
Each reflected on the sad news,
Pursuing neural pathways,
Lost in memories of time,
Recalling much better days.
Last summer Wes swam each day,
Rowed his boat on the river,
Managed his church’s web page;
Strong of faith, happy, – a giver!
The pandemic lockdown came.
Sippers meetings suspended,
Lost touch in the months apart
When Wes’ being was upended.
Diagnosed with MND
His world inverted, upside down,
Wes rapidly lost his strength,
His system just shutting down.
Our thoughts are with family,
As we each mourn his passing.
We’ll miss Wes at the table,
But mem’ries are long lasting.
Bill Edmunds
October, 2020.
Bill Edmunds 