This scene is particularly special this month. Friends and one of our African Dawn members #HeritageSafaris, Helga on the left, Stephan in the middle and the late, great character who was part of their team and their great friend, Paddy (Blood) Curtis.
A voice note from Stephen as I was on my way to visit them in Cape Town – delivered the message. Paddy was gone. Murdered in his home, in his hometown (and mine too) – Bulawayo.
It is hard to comprehend.
The out pouring’s of anger, disbelief, as we all try come to terms with this, were far and wide. Pursuance of the perpetrators for revenge, justice, you name it – along with a great send-off memorial last week.
Paddy would not have liked to ‘slip away’ as so many use to describe facing the indignity so many must, with long dragged-out terminal illnesses. No way Jose! He went out giving his absolute all. Taking no crap from the intruders. Ending his life on the receiving end of a barrel, oddly enough, in exactly the opposite way he started and spent his entire life - on the delivering end of a barrel. Life is strange.
Bottom line - this incredibly interesting, colorful and lovable character is gone, leaving us only his memories. And there are many. He will be sorely missed.
And isn’t that what life is about - a series of memorable experiences we look back on.
So for this message, all I can say is… look at this image, think of what an Africa scene like this means to you… treasure the memories you have – and then get back to this continent and start some making fresh ones.
Keep having a wonderful July.
Best regards, from Africa.
Richard Lendrum