Lyal

Remembering an old mate, but just having known him.

and outside the rain pours

  like the heaviness in our hearts

 

The news shocking us all, not Lyal,

a severe stroke, ‘to say goodbye’ the email read

 

The phone call, sombre voices,

the news of his passing hitting hard.

A severe Stroke, but in hospital.

He never regained consciousness,

all of us hoping he’d pull through,

only saw him on Thursday night,

the end coming so quickly. 

He was seventy six.

 

I didn’t always see him,

sometimes he’d sneak in the other door,

when I looked across the room

  there he’d be supporting the bar.

I liked Lyal, everyone did,

one of the good ones,

he wasn’t well educated,

as rough as bags, but

  was honest, sincere, selfless,

rising above the club banter, the difficulties.

 

Oh my gosh, can anyone

  forget that laugh?

Some people just light up life, are life,

as if they will forever be there.

Always happy, smiling, that was Lyal.

But his ways, just to have him around,

to be around.  He was just one of those people.

I can’t remember meeting him, but

  it must be at least twenty years ago.

so familiar, did I know him before

  Club days?

 

In the back of my mind

  the thought, ‘it could

  well have been me, last year.’

Thinking of one’s fragility,

 

We’re individuals all, but

  also the sum of those we know,

stories we hear, experiences we have.

Just to have known him

  was a privilege.

 

Time spent with club members

  sharing memories of Lyal,

a relaxed time, all sharing the same loss.

Stories of that last day, he’d been so happy,

he’d been with his Rotary mates, content,

he’d watched the footy on tv,

gone to bed, fading away in dark hours.

 

Lyal, always happy, smiling, laughing, as

  if life surely couldn’t be that difficult.

That’s how I’ll remember him.

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

So sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing. When we lose a friend, we lose part of our history. This tribute is touching. Lydi**

[Richard M]

Thank you Lydi for your words. Lyal was a character and didn't get worked up about things. We remember him often. I so hope I learn his kool approach to life. Thank you friend.
Richard

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Always sad very hard to lose a close friend
Remember the good memories
Life’s short
Sorry for your loss x

[Richard M]

Thank you so much Julie.

[Chris Shaw]

A touching tribute here Richard for your friend Lyal. Clearly his bright disposition made a difference to the lives of those who knew him. I'm sorry for your loss. You take care my friend.

Chris

[Richard M]

Thank you Chris for your touching words. Yes, Lyal was certainly a colourful character and is remembered and referred to often.
Thank you my friend.

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome Richard. Take care of yourself.

[Donna]

This is very sad. My Father was 79 when he had a stroke, he went to rehab and did very well. He worked hard to learn to walk again. He was to come home the next day. I got a phone call saying he had another stroke and it was a severe one. Losing my Father was one of the hardest things I ever experienced. I do have wonderful memories that I will always have. I miss him so much, as you do to. Hold on to your memories.

[Red Brick Keshner]

I feel for you at this moment, Richard. My dad also fell unconscious from a severe stroke (his third one) and was hospitalised for a month this March. He passed on in April just shy of his 80th birthday. May you find comfort in the good times shared with Lyal. Warmest sympathies on this particularly cold winter, Frederick.

[Richard M]

Oh my condolences Frederick on your considerable loss. Thank you for reading and your words. They light our lives!
Take it easy my friend.
Richard

[Red Brick Keshner]

Indeed, Richard. Have a restful weekend. Frederick.

[John the Baptist]

"It could well have been me." As I am also 76, these words resonated particularly with me. I just hope someone will remember me as well as this offering has Lyal.