~*My Heart Is Very Heavy Today*~......

Let me tell you about a very special Man who came into our lives 5 or 6 years ago........ His name is Andy........ who was born in England met a beautiful Lady named Jan, married, had children & eventually immigrated to Australia. So 5 or 6 years ago they bought the corner shop which has always been known as *Shop 36* which is about a 5 or so minute walk from my home. I have always taken the walk up there at least 2 or 3 times a week for milk & bread & I like so many people in Coffs became close friends with Andy & Jan. He has a very broad accent sometimes making it hard to understand the words that flow from his mouth but one look at his face would tell you whatever he said meant that he was saying something that needed a laugh in reply. Eventually we all learnt to understand them or perhaps the accent softened a little. OK so being a true Pommy he lives & breathes Soccer...... do I need to say more, can you imagine in your head what it is like to be around him while the World Cup is on..... nah I don't think I do...

Around 2 years ago Andy discovered he had Liver Cancer & being the Optimist that he is knew he would beat it.......... we all watched this beautiful man who by the way was shortest, thinnest but super fit from playing his beloved sport, gradually lose his hair, weight & strength to be able to work. Jan & his many workers kept the shop going, always with a smile on their brave faces.

It has been a couple of days since I went up to *Shop 36* it has probably been a couple of weeks since I last saw Andy...we talked about the world cup.... he telling me the Pomms were going to win, me telling him the Kiwi's (New Zealanders) were going to, boy did he laugh at that but neither team progressed to the top 16.........

Today I learnt Andy died ...........he is 52........ my heart is really hurting........... for his beloved Jan, for his kiddies, his many many friends (me included) customers, his family *back home*, but to me the saddest thing is he did not get to see who will win the World Cup............ no maybe I am wrong there....... he is on is long walk to heaven........ he will get there before the games finish.......... he will KNOW ahead of time who wins.......... I forgot to ask him who he would go for in the final game..........

Forever in my heart......XXX