I Know True Friendship Is Priceless
Brian came into my life when I was just seven years old. That was back in the days when adults could befriend children without fear or suspicion, when we called adult friends, "Aunty" or "Uncle", when it was common for neighbours and businessmen to give children money on their birthdays. He was a friend of a friend of my mother's and that is how he ended up at our place one day.
We went for a walk down our street which bordered the Kuringai Chase National Park. That was another simple entertainment we had in those days - going for family walks. The street meandered down to a creek which was at the bottom of most of the properties on the right hand side. My mother chatted with her girlfriend and Brian became better acquainted with us kids.
Brian was 31 at the time and a confirmed bachelor. He is one of the sweetest, kindest people I know. From the very outset he took an interest in our welfare. He remembered our birthdays with cards that always had money in them. And when we grew up and married he continued to do so, but also remembered our children and our children's children.
But what I remember most is how he liked to just hang out with us. If we were in the kitchen he liked to help chop things. If we were shopping he made a joke out of everything or sneakily paid for things he thought we wanted but couldn't afford. He took us on outings. We really had a lot of fun.
When my mother had breast cancer and required surgery, Brian came over with his kit bag and camped out at our place, cooking and cleaning for us until Mum was back home. When we were poor students he would come and stay with us and take us out for dinner. When my brother died he came to be a comfort, and he was a comfort, especially to my poor mother.
He frequently flies interstate to visit his friends and never misses an occasion.
Brian is a gentleman, very fastidious and faultlessly polite. On one visit to his place I discovered my intolerance to alcohol - when I passed out on his sofa. It has never been referred to or mentioned since. He lives in a complex of units and knows all the residents and their stories. He looks out for them.
Over the years we have had many talks, many phone conversations, many heartbreaks and shared faith and love. I became a Catholic when I was 19 and as Brian was also a Catholic he visited Tasmania from Sydney for the occasion. But in all those years I knew him since I was seven years old, he never once mentioned religion. He just lived it.
I believe there are some 75 children whose birthdays he remembers. He is in Victoria at present staying with other friends, but we did of course catch up and this time took him out. He is now 75 years old and still looks much as he did when he was younger, probably due to clean and healthy living. We have been friends now for 44 years.
Uncle Brian is a most cherished friend, one who has always been there for us, a charming, humble and compassionate man.
We went for a walk down our street which bordered the Kuringai Chase National Park. That was another simple entertainment we had in those days - going for family walks. The street meandered down to a creek which was at the bottom of most of the properties on the right hand side. My mother chatted with her girlfriend and Brian became better acquainted with us kids.
Brian was 31 at the time and a confirmed bachelor. He is one of the sweetest, kindest people I know. From the very outset he took an interest in our welfare. He remembered our birthdays with cards that always had money in them. And when we grew up and married he continued to do so, but also remembered our children and our children's children.
But what I remember most is how he liked to just hang out with us. If we were in the kitchen he liked to help chop things. If we were shopping he made a joke out of everything or sneakily paid for things he thought we wanted but couldn't afford. He took us on outings. We really had a lot of fun.
When my mother had breast cancer and required surgery, Brian came over with his kit bag and camped out at our place, cooking and cleaning for us until Mum was back home. When we were poor students he would come and stay with us and take us out for dinner. When my brother died he came to be a comfort, and he was a comfort, especially to my poor mother.
He frequently flies interstate to visit his friends and never misses an occasion.
Brian is a gentleman, very fastidious and faultlessly polite. On one visit to his place I discovered my intolerance to alcohol - when I passed out on his sofa. It has never been referred to or mentioned since. He lives in a complex of units and knows all the residents and their stories. He looks out for them.
Over the years we have had many talks, many phone conversations, many heartbreaks and shared faith and love. I became a Catholic when I was 19 and as Brian was also a Catholic he visited Tasmania from Sydney for the occasion. But in all those years I knew him since I was seven years old, he never once mentioned religion. He just lived it.
I believe there are some 75 children whose birthdays he remembers. He is in Victoria at present staying with other friends, but we did of course catch up and this time took him out. He is now 75 years old and still looks much as he did when he was younger, probably due to clean and healthy living. We have been friends now for 44 years.
Uncle Brian is a most cherished friend, one who has always been there for us, a charming, humble and compassionate man.
By:
perseverer
Age:
51-55
,
Female
