Tuesday 26 March 2013

HEADER CHALLENGE 27-03-13  

Im posting a day early as Wednesday I will be out of Town until later in the day

Its my choice this week and my theme is

PHOTO & VERSE

This is a True Heartbreaking story  - with a Happy ending.
Its about 3 fellows nicknamed -Last of the  Summer Strollers
Having a long weekend away up on the Yorkshire Moors and what followed.
ROB HEATHCOTE
RICHARD BAKER
STEWART MACKINDER

My Music this week is Robert Johnson singing 
Kind Hearted Woman Blues - 1936
( This was Robs favourite singer and music)

Thursday 28th March 1996  is the 17th year Anniversary of Robs Death - he died at the age of 43 1996 with Pancreatitis and was married to Julie.
(this is why I chose this theme)

The poem was written by me and was read out at the scattering of his ashes on Copper Hill - near where we saw the Chalkhill Butterfly.

My Header

Rob - Sitting in the red jacket and dandelion up his nose
Richard - Sitting in blue jumper
Stewart (me) Standing in the black jacket.

I first met Rob when my 2 lads started infant  school - Rob was one of the Teachers.

After my lads left infant school  we met Rob and Julie in town and got chatting - found out he liked a drink - I invited him down into town for a drink with my mate Richard, we ended up going out every friday Night for a few pints for many years.

Robs interests were Astronomy - Lepidopterology (butterflies)
and Brewing his own Real Ale.

Heres a few shots of Last of the Summer Strollers at Thirsk
North Yorkshire on the Moors


Who let these 3 out together? outside the weekend Cottage


 
Richard leading - Watch yer step Rob its slippery




Richard - Now, why dig a hole here and fence it off?
Rob - Well --- Its like this - See-----

When Rob died in 1996 we lost contact with Julie, it wasnt until 5 years later in 2001 when fate took a hand and I met up with Julie again and that was it - we fell in love and  soon after we were together - after 12 years we are still going strong.

The happy Ending to the story

Rob had a daughter called Laura from a previous marriage.
Laura who met her soul mate and in 2012 she married Nick


Their marriage theme was Butterflies - in memory of her Dad Rob.

Please visit the other Headbangers - on my side bar - near my shield, and see their take on 
Photo & verse.

GOOD LUCK









13 comments:

Becca's Dirt said...

Awe that is so heartwarming. It is so apparent that you lost a true friend. You are fortunate to have had such a wonderful friendship between you guys and it has gone on for so many years and now you have Julie. Just precious. Thanks for sharing this.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh My Goodness... This post made me teary.... I'm so sorry that Rob died so young, and I can imagine how much you miss him. BUT--finding Julie --and being with her now is just awesome... You two are keeping Rob's memory alive...

Love your poem --and thanks for such a heart-warming tribute to a great friend.
Hugs,
Betsy

Lew said...

Brought a tear to my eyes. Wonderful tribute to your friend! And a great header!

Carletta said...

Oh my, a sad and sweet story at the same time.
Lovely poem!
Your last line written way back then and all these years later he is still in your thoughts. What a great friendship.
We never know what fate will have in store but it was a lovely day when it stepped in and brought Julie back into your life.
A lovely tribute to someone near and dear to your heart.

ju-north said...

What a journey you've been on - a wonderful friend and now a wonderful marriage!

Craver Vii said...

Thank you for sharing these special memories. This post was touching, and it sparked different feelings. I appreciate the way it evokes senses of nostalgia, comradery, loss, hope and celebration.

Rune Eide said...

A very nice one - and an extra greeting to Julie!

Jackie said...

The love for a friend never dies...
Warmest hugs to you and to your Julie. Beautifully done, my friend.
Hugs,
Jackie

Unknown said...

It has been a few months I think since I have visited, there was much to catch up on! I need to get busy and re-connect with my blogger friends! I have not forgotten your wonderful blogging friendship and ever beautiful post!

DeniseinVA said...

So that's how you met Julie? What a sweet and touching post. A lovely tribute to Rob but I think he's looking down on you and Julie and is thrilled to bits that you found each other again. Thank you for sharing this my friend. It really pulled at my heartstrings.

George said...

Your header is a marvelous tribute to your friend. Your story with Julie is pretty wonderful as well.

Gattina said...

What a wonderful tribute to your friend ! And what a happy ending you found Julie !

Betty Manousos said...

what a powerful tribute to your friend!
brought a tear or two to my eyes...

great header as well.