In a few words, it's been a long fucking while since my last post. I didn't have the urge to write, and my life has been really busy as of late.
But something happened yesterday that made me want to write again, as though only words would suffice. I lost one of my best friends, someone I had known all my life.
Garrie Paterson: 1981 - 2008.
I still can't believe that he's gone. I feel as though someone is playing a cruel practical joke on me, or that this is a bad dream from which I cannot wake. But the reality is, as much as we would LOVE to have him with us again, it can't happen. Obviously there is a higher purpose for him in death than there must have been in life.
Garrie had the gift of making everyone in a crowded room feel like they were the only one there, not just onstage, but off it too. For those of us who had the privilege of growing up (or trying to) with him, Garrie was loyal and never forgot who his friends were, despite the distance and time apart we often spent.
We had days and weekends at his place, watching obscure movies like 'Dr. Heckyll and Mr. Hype', and to this day, we were both able to recite lines from it, even though neither of us had seen it for years. We also played 'Hallway Gymnastics' frequently throughout our younger days, with the trampoline and mattresses littering the hall.
Garrie was also a naturally gifted musician; everything seemed to come easily to him. One day he decided to become a kick-ass drummer, and the next day he played guitar, and eventually became known locally as a singer with a distinctive voice. It was in his music that we all saw his potential; he could have been anything he wanted musically. Now it seems that this potential will remain eternally unfulfilled.
We're all at a loss for words. We thought he was indestructable, capable of defeating life's trials and setbacks. But I suppose everyone has a breaking point.
I know that as we get older, people come and go in life, but we never expected Garrie to go so soon. I will forever have the memories to keep and share with others who knew him.
My thoughts are with Leah and Garrie's family. We are all hurting and trying to make sense of this.
The last words Garrie ever said to me (last week) were 'I love you, brother'.
We fucking love you too, mate.
- Fridge.
