Nkosi !
Gona re Zhou
(Place of the elephants )
After years
of watching animals, one gets some kind of idea of their personalities - we can
sometimes see character traits of ourselves or our close family and friends in
them. This great man pictured above is in the great “Gona re Zhou” National
Park - his powerful presence was humbling, and his gentlemanly nature reminds
me of someone who has been a legend in my life.
There comes a
time when we all question life and the curve balls it has thrown us, and being
as busy as we are, we very seldom get perspective on the gift that is life.
Having been
able to spend time out here we learn that silence is a friend, not an enemy,
however quietness and time for reflection are hard to find and consequently
some of the most meaningful words are never said. Someone once said that life
was like an enormous pin ball machine and the ball that represents us shoots around
the pinball machine with millions of others, missing some and hitting others and
those hits and misses are the events that shape our lives! My ball has clicked
with many others, and whilst some of them have been 'educational', others have
been pinnacles in my life - helping shape it and shaping me.
Somewhere in
New South Wales, Australia I met a man who changed many aspects of my life, this was one of those balls that clicked with mine -
cajoling me and pushing me to greater efforts, maturing me and ensuring that I
believed in myself. The relationship lives on today some 30 years later, where
my nephews have formed a close relationship with him. There is a uniqueness to
this man and he is a legend amongst his own - quiet, big, assertive and
powerful.
And although
it has been many years since we have laughed together, I know that when we meet
again the years will mean nothing. Sandy, you are a legend to us all and the many
miles that separate us are merely metres as your strength and example covers
all ground.
When I look
at this majestic animal, somehow I recognise you here - your presence and his
are the same - powerful and wise, gentle and yet persuasive. I can never
express my gratitude to you for what you have done for me, even some thirty
years on you have been there, being a rock for the boys. Thank you.
Will
