Office Blog
I scored my dream job at Rolling Stone when I was in my second year at uni. After interviewing cool Aussie bands, reviewing events, and getting drunk with the stars at countless after parties for three years, I thought it was time to pursue a serious career. So I got a job in advertising. I lasted six months. These days, my life is all about magazines. I even started my own pop culture publication, Corker, to feed my addiction. When I’m not working, I’m partying (usually with free drinks!). Life is sweet.
Office Blog
To friends, with love
- Cleo Tools
-
Print
-
Send to friend
-
-
Archive
13 May, 2011
Caption: An old holiday snap with my friends. Obez is in the middle wearing the white collared shirt.
Earlier this week, all of my old high school friends got together for lunch. I still keep in regular contact with a few of them, but there are some that I only see at momentous dates, like engagement parties, weddings, christenings. There’s usually lots of booze involved, lots of hugs, and genuine promises to hang out soon that are never realised.
This was another one of those big events, but the mood was sombre and contemplative. We’d just attended the funeral of one of our mates. Obez was his nickname. He was only 29 when he passed away suddenly after having an epileptic fit during his sleep.
We were all in disbelief when we found out. So much so that when one of the boys received the phone call with the news, he responded with, “Naah, you mean Osama. Osama bin Laden died.” No, it’s Obez. “Naah, Osama.” His wife had to take the phone from him at this point.
Some of us were still in disbelief at the funeral. The reality hit me during the speeches. Another one of my friends finally broke down at the end of the service when the casket was carried out of the church. It had been years since we had last hung out with him, but still …
As I looked around at my friends during lunch, I had the sudden feeling of getting older. That this was only the first time we’d have to come together like this and we wouldn’t know when the next time would be. As the priest said during the eulogy, we don’t get to choose when we come into this world, and we have no say when we’re leaving. What we can choose is how we use the time we have now.
So, I’d like to use this moment to give a big shout out to all of my old friends, new friends, ex-friends. I love you all so much! Thank you for being a part of my life.
And to Obez, wherever you are. On behalf of your old westie mates, we’d just like you to know how much we loved your kind, sweet soul. Your impersonations of The Rock were pretty awesome too. We hope you’re resting in peace.
View all posts