Life was simpler back then
This was before mobile phones were what they are now and you had to press a button multiple times for it to get to the correct letter you needed on an sms - whatsapp hadn't been born yet, facebook didn't exist and life felt real. It was long before digital cameras even. This was when people still spoke to each other face to face and held each other through the hard things, gave each other high fives after victories and when we still had to wait nine counts while dialing numbers on rotary dial phones. Was this the analogue era still?
Going out for no reason at all
I remember we were walking in St George's Street when the sky blackened and it started pouring down in sheets of driving rain. We weren't dressed for this kind of rain, so our clothing quickly became soaked and while giggling at the absurdity of the situation, Jo pulled me by the arm into a little "hole in the wall" type place which I didn't even know existed.
It was an old Irish Pub with dim lighting and the typical kind of bare sandstone brick walls. It felt like a different century when we stepped inside, being greeted by mixed apprisals ranging from scolding to cheers that we had come in from the bad weather. There was a roaring fire burning in the old curved stone top fire place and there was music playing softly in the background, almost drowned out by the noise of the rain falling.
Even though the place seemed dark and a little dingy, it felt strangely welcoming and it was unpretentious in it's simplicity and unapologetic authenticity.
The memory is old and a little bit faded, but we sat by a window, watching this torrential downpour cleanse the dirty city streets which now closely resembled a ghost town. We ordered pub lunch specials and Irish coffee and we sat talking about everything and nothing.
Jo relocated to Ireland in 2003 with her daughter who was a toddler at the time, a free spirit with an infectious laugh, just like her mom. Joanne added sparkle to the world and I would love to know where she is now. So this morning I drank a non-alcoholic Irish Coffee in toast to Olde Irish Joanne and this treasured 20 year old memory.
Image is my own, photograph in the image is the original processed from film, 2001.
I'm deeply sorry for your loss! May God rest her soul in heaven! Best wishes and best of luck to you as well! Keep up the good work here on HIVE! :)
Hi Vikthor
Thanks for the comment. I don't think My Jo has passed on, it doesn't feel like it to me, but I do feel the loss of not having her around to share life's moments with.
Hope you have a good one.
Ciao
Thanks! You're welcome! A friend's loss is a tremendous loss indeed whichever way it manifests, but from my personal life experience I can tell you that there is no day which passes by without thinking of my dearest ones who are fortunately still alive and every now and again when time allows I communicate with them. I'm sure you can do the same, even with the ones who passed on, either in your dreams or with your mind by sending warm, loving thoughts! All the best to you and your dear ones! :)
What a cool story about friendship and how easy-going it can be and how the small, often, unplanned moments can have great impact. It's friendships like this that deserve nurturing. I winder where she is now and if she ever recalls that day as you have here.
I would like to think that she does. When I came back from England after a year I called her mom and found out where she was working and surprised her there by requesting her to the manager. She and I both broke out in tears when she realized it was me. I miss her. She was such a wonderful person.
She probably recalls you as fondly.
Congratulations @andrastia! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :
Your next target is to reach 800 upvotes.
You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOPTo support your work, I also upvoted your post!
Check out the last post from @hivebuzz:
A beautiful memory worth cherishing. I find that when memories like this pop up, it is generally a sigh to reach out, or try find the person and reconnect. High fives and hugs, so many more of those needed in todays day and age. Humans need it.
Such a beautiful story!
What great memories these must be...
It reminds me of personal memories with my two closest friends.
Thanks for joining and sharing this with the contest. Your participation is much appreciated:)
Hi Milly.
Thanks for the message and for such a cool contest too, I am so glad you enjoyed reading my post, it still brings happy tears to my eyes sometimes. These kinds of friends are the best, keep them at all costs.
Have a lovely day
Andy
I understand more than you could imagine. I'm lucky to still have one of those 2 friends. I lost one of them tragically without getting to say goodbye. That hit me hard, because she was the only person I ever connected with on all levels, and someone I always thought that if I was half as sweet, I'd be the wealthiest person.
Since then, I met another friend who is a gem of a person too, so I still have 2 best friends :)
I'm so sorry for your loss Milly. Seeing as you're thinking of them today, maybe send them a message and tell them they are a wonderful part of your life!
Have a beautiful day 🌹
That's great advice Andrastia;-)
I will for sure!
Have a wonderful day too;)
Hi Andrastia, your story was beautiful... It's precious when you have someone like her. I wish you two will met again.
Hi Vivie
Thanks so much, she was really precious, I miss her often. One day I am sure we will come across each other again and I will share this with her. She will always have a place close to my heart as my friend.
Have a beautiful one and Happy International Coffee Day!
Cheers
Andy