Goodbye Ben

 

Ben and his family

Ben and I were interviewed for the same job at the hospice on the same day. 

I was convinced he would get the job over me as he had worked there already, was responsible for research between the University and the hospice and had taught student nurses as a lecturer in my ex husband’s School of Nursing.

I was desperate for the job and was retired and felt old.

Getting the job meant that I could finally afford the mortgage on the cottage

As it turned out we both got the job

And Ben turned out to be a dear and loyal friend .

In the last two years, he, fellow nurse Ruth and I have been part of the same messenger group as well as work colleagues. We are planning a reunion in his new home next year.

We “talk” out of work more than we do in, and the banter was a lifeline during lockdown 

That group will continue to flourish, I am sure,  as it’s a site for banter, childish innuendo and gossip.

Ben, as the only straight man, is inordinately gossipy.

The only downside to the messenger group will be the time difference.

For Ben and his family are off to South Korea.

I had the challenge of buying Ben’s leaving gift, which wasn’t too hard as he is travelling light and will just have the money. But I wanted something a little more special for him, given the fact he’s a bit of a hippy.

Finally I thought of something and I’ve bought three trees in his, his wife Sokyo and daughter Luna’s Names from the National Trust.

So they will have something of theirs rooted in the soil of Britain