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One of a kind x

Friday, January 14, 2011


I lost a very good friend before Christmas, I can't even believe I am having to write these words because deep down I don't quite believe that he is actually gone. When I was diagnosed with CF as a child, my mum especially was inconsolable at the hospital. She was scared and uncertain of what the future might hold for the two year old little girl who seemed so "normal" in many respects. The nurses were kind but she felt as though no one really understood her. Then a young male nurse came in and started talking to me, mum wasn't particularly bothered he was one in a sea of faces, until he turned to her and said, "you know I have CF too". And so Nick came into our lives. He sat and talked to mum for the whole of his shift, convincing her that Cf sufferers could grow up to lead happy lives, he even showed her his legs because she was worried that mine were too thin! I will be forever grateful to him for the support he gave our family at that devastating time. I don't remember much of Nick from that long ago, but I do remember him being one of my favourite nurses, always chatty, friendly, teasing and trying to get me to eat chicken soup which was horrible ( I have never eaten hospitla food!). Over the years we didn't see each other for months maybe years but every now and then he would turn up on our doorstep, no warning and with a big grin on his face. A constant friend who though out of sight wasn't out of mind.
Life didn't give Nick an easy run, he was often in hospital, fought bowel cancer, forced to give up nursing due to ill health and was generally put through the ringer, but he always came out the other side. He seemed indestructable to me. Nick was so strong and independant with a cheeky side determined to fight Cf and live his life on his terms. Even now I can't believe that he's not going to text me again in a few months or randomly turn up one day. He had too much life in him, too much determination to be gone.
On New Years Eve we let off a sky lantern with the names of all the people we have lost to let them know we remember them. Nick had one all to himself (he would have liked that i think!). I'm so sad I didnt get to say goodbye, but Nick you were the strongest, most determined, independant, wonderful, fighter and friend that I have ever known. Thank you for being there all these years, it meant a lot to all of us to have you in our lives, you will NEVER be forgotten. You truly were one of a kind xxxxx

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6 comments

  1. That was a lovely tribute hun, sounds like Nick was a very special person. x x x

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  2. I think you are truely insperational, thinkin bout u x

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  3. Sorry to hear that Tor. Hugs.

    Take care,
    Moll x x

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  4. Oh hun. He sounded awesome and he will never be forgotten hunny. I am sure that he will be willing you on to keep up the fight and the wonderful awareness work you are doing...here for u always xxx

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  5. What a beautiful tribute, to a wonderful friend. May he rest at peace, and may the memory of his friendship warm you and encourage you always.

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  6. Sorry to hear that you lost Nick. I have CF (hitting 39 this summer) and I lost my sister to CF 10 years ago, when she was 28. Just over a year ago, I lost a good friend to CF - she was a mother of two and was just 45. But it's the title of your blog that inspired me to post - as far as I'm concerned, every one of us with CF is 'one of a kind'. I've never met anyone with CF who isn't a fighter - keep positive, Tor. x

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