My tribute to my dearest Bud, Janet
A friend in need is a friend indeed……the end!!!!
Although this sums up Bud, I do have to share our friendship which has spanned more than 30 years.
As ALL relationships evolve there are good, bad, sad, great, hysterical, hard moments and events but I only want to share the” fun” times, as I know she would want.
I first met Janet at Springvale Primary school where our children were attending school. I had called a meeting for the parents to help me “fight” the headmistress to allow sport to take place. Janet at first thought that I was “bossy”….??? pot calling the kettle black methinks hey??
However, she called me shortly after that to ask me to help her with her Playball clinic and I didn’t need a second invitation. It was there that our strong connection and respect was cemented.
With my medical background and her Playball knowledge we combined our strengths and formed our own brand of working with children ,namely Ball Skills which we took to schools in the area and did rather well and successfully.
I remember one cold winters morning we were outside on the fields ( it was so cold I couldn’t feel my extremities) and whilst I was giving the first instruction, I suddenly had a tissue wipe my nose!! SOOO Janet!
At some stage it was my turn to enlist Janet’s amazing admin skills and we became partners in my medical business called Healthwise which entailed immunizations and screenings at schools and companies.
Enter Sam….she often accompanied us. I remember we were at a company and IT WAS SLOW going and to amuse Sam and pass the time I took empty syringes and put them in my ears, up my nose and was prancing around to much laughter when I looked up to see the MD in the doorway!!!!
When Mike stayed behind to complete Matric he and my son Craig both played provincial hockey and they were selected to play in the IPT in ‘Maritzburg. Janet decided to come back for this last tournament . It was easier for me to book the B&B from this side so I collected her from the airport and off we drove yakking the whole way.
By the time we arrived at the town I called the patrons to receive directions to their B&B and as I was the driver I said ” I am going to hand the phone to my partner and she can navigate“
The owners greeted us and escorted us inside where we were given a choice of rooms…one with a double bed and one with 2 single beds!! We naturally chose the single beds. At that time Janet was doing a course in reflexology and something with crystals and asked if I would be her guinea pig and I gladly complied, but I would have to tell her how/what I was feeling. After many ohhs and ahhs and don’t like that, that feels good etc we heard a noise ..very strange?? The next morning as we went in for breakfast we were met by the lady holding a bible!! As she started the lecture both of us, horror and amusement on our faces, expressed the wish to call our HUSBANDS !!!
There are many other stories and laughter but not enough time to relate. How do you find the appropriate words to describe the genuine, warm loving person my Bud was. Wonderful friend, terrible communicator (couldn’t master the voice note thing!) but always ready to lend an ear and make it “better”
Going to miss you tooooo much, till we meet again Bud
Your loving friend
Corrine