How’s your Day? Blog 114, the end
© Peter A Taylor, 1, September, 2013
There are many overwhelming moments when you are faced with 190 people, peers and friends who are talking about you as you maintain your dignity on stage. To my right is my soul mate Rodney as support and to my left the most honourable Buckwheat, the glamorous MC of our Auckland community, an actress and artist of stage screen and radio.
St Mathews Church in the City was transformed into a stunning building of white stone, accents of blue in the tiny orchid table settings and studded napkin holders. Our dear friend, Les Mack, had made 200 boxes with his signature Art Deco jewellery piece on each gold surprise package that held a tasty chocolate.
The entire night was fabulosity overload. This fund raising dinner for the Cartier Bereavement Trust was a total success. The cathedral ceiling is up- light with white spotlights and side columns are dramatically highlighted with blue and yellow bulbs.
Back on stage for the first part of the celebration, just as I have squeezed the life out of the last tissue, special people are invited to answer Buckwheat’s questions about me as I sit like a stunned mullet trying to absorb that this entire event to raise money is centred on the celebration of my life. Often choked with emotion and visibly in tears of joy, I fished hard to find more gratitude and humility to appreciate such an honour.
Needless to say, the evening from the tender chicken to the greetings of many and the making of money with auctions for the trust, made this successful special night a resounding triumph. The outpouring of love and respect , the truth and sincerity of the speakers from overseas and local is a privilege to hear before you pass over than wait until your are gone and over a bit of a soggy scone they say a few nice words. The Trust bought my dear friend Elaine from Sydney to surprise me as she was heralded and announced to speak.
What a way to leave this world. Knowing how many people I have touched has been the most revealing outcome of the tributes as I really had no idea of how my writing and philosophy of Don’t Postpone Joy has captivated a mindset. Also knowing that I cannot contribute any further means it’s time to step aside and let someone else have a go.
Crikey we’ve been grieving for so long we need new sponges as the others are dry with the starts and stops of the past several years of comebacks and slide downs and get up and shake off sort of carry on. If I don’t go, they’ll have to hit me in the head with a shovel and the conductor says,
‘Move up, next please.’
So I will run over a few rollers in my light weight cardboard box, (saves sticking to the rollers) and boom, well it may be quieter, I will be on the other side with a smile as wide as the Cheshire cat.
Could you imagine the pile up if without the cardboard liner on the bit of ply wood, I singe and stick to a roller?
“Hey Joe, hold up. We’ve got a sticker here and until we get him off, we are backing up like a car crash.’
It is time to thank and acknowledge all those who have shared, added to or been a significant part of my life. Firstly, the extensive medical team of specialists who have worked tirelessly to keep me upright. The friends who bring Sushi for lunge , the shoppers, visitors, helpers, cleaners, and all the talent that has been offered to me unconditionally from experts when I sought education. Then there are the old friends of reliability and shared memories, my contemplations and reflections and the passion from my horses moved to my writing, without planning it this way. Hence living became my business and my business became inspiration without plan or expectation.
Then there is you the readers who make this transition of crafts possible and fun. Without you there is no reason or purpose. So all together with love, peace harmony and no fear, I look forward to my next journey and thank you all for the part you have played.
With the sales and recognition of the last book ‘Past my Expiry Date ‘, doing well, I wish to thank those readers who have written recommendations on my book site and many thanks for your support. As they are self published, we have made them available to purchase go to Amazon.com and search for my name. It should bring you to all my publications. Let’s see how many people you can buy a copy for and touch another’s life.
What began as a surprise with a sand fly bite at the height of my dream career turned into a war of years that none of us expected, least of all me. We fought, my team and I to the depths of the trenches with the squirts as the body turned inside out and with the small steps forward giving hope and shining a ray of light, one of self awareness. What a roller coaster ride and one I’d never wish upon a soul.
My way was to seek head on as a youngster. From my education of how the horses and dogs collaborated and gave of themselves to sustain the species, it was prudent that I followed their example and learnt to offer ‘What is in me for you’, instead of always expecting ‘what‘s in it for me’.
Although we still don’t know what will happen from here as I have stopped all support medication, like everything else, I will go with the flow and manage with business like strategy and enjoy the moment. Full of uncertainties has been part of the excitement of living. I expect my passing will be equally as exciting. The lessons will continue to surprise and be full of wonder beyond my understanding at this conjuncture in time.
My philosophy of giving, sharing and kindness changes a mind to respect and gratitude. With these words as my cornerstone, I say goodbye and thanks for every little thing. See you on the other side.
For photo’s and articles of the night; go to gaynz.com
Pete x
