Olham 164 Posted August 24, 2011 INTO THE DEEP BLUE - A LONG GOODBYE A friend of mine liked very much to be under water. He wasn't satisfied with swimming or diving - he wanted to walk over the sea beds. He wanted it so much, that the devil heard him and offered him one hour without any need of breathing - for one hour of his life. The devil also warned him clearly, that there was one big danger though, which he wouldn't be protected against: the pressure. It would grow, the further down my friend would go. And the devil even told him, that the urge to explore the deep sea would also grow in him. My friend concluded the contract. From now on, he could stay under water longer and longer, and so he did. It became more and more difficult for me to meet him. If I wanted to spend some time with him, I had to do my best to dive and hold my breath as long as possible. That way, I would descend to him, and make my swimming and diving movements left or right of him, with the growing urge to surface and breathe, while he would walk around without any problems or care. Soon, he wanted to walk further into the sea. He wanted to explore the dark blue deep, where darkness and pressure normally keep us away. He spoke to me, but under water, I could only understand little of what he said. The moments I saw him grew shorter and shorter through the years, the extended diving made my head ache more and more, and I felt that it would do me harm. During the last months I could only just find him every now and then, here and there, deep below me - a human spec on the dark sea bed. I could not reach him anymore. One day I lost him completely - he had walked into the darkness, that swallowed him. Maybe he was now on his way to the Mariana Trench. He remained disappeared without any further trace, 'til I got news, that they have found a crushed human body, with many seagulls circling overhead. They sent me photos. I could not say, wether it was him or not. I just couldn't recognise him anymore. I feel so hollow today, after receiving that telephone call. My friend Pierre, with whom I used to play, record & collect music some time ago, and who's record cover I had designed, has died last night at 3 o'clock from strong internal bleeding, after 35 years of sex & drugs & rock'n'roll. I had lost him long before. Take care, everyone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NS13Jarhead 6 Posted August 24, 2011 Olham, My sincere condolences on your loss. I wish there was something I could say to make everything better. I want you to know that everyone here on this forum considers you a friend and that we all mourn alongside you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shiloh 12 Posted August 24, 2011 So sorry to hear about the passing of your good friend Olham. You are not alone in your grief my friend - we are here for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hauksbee 103 Posted August 25, 2011 (edited) An eloquent statement of your grief. It reminds me of losing a very close friend, tho' for different reasons. Edited August 25, 2011 by Hauksbee Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flyby PC 23 Posted August 25, 2011 My condolences too Olham. Remember the good times. After my father died many years ago, it came as a shock how quickly afterwards I couldn't picture his face in my mind. I was terrified I was forgetting him. Loss is a hard thing to cope with, but my thoughts are with you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olham 164 Posted August 25, 2011 Thank you all for your caring condolence. Yes, it is hard to accept the irreversibility of that final fact. In his case, it was a long goodbye, so it didn't hit me totally unprepared. I'll never forget this crazy Austrian, who always appeared like an alien in the streets - not only an alien from another country, but from another star. And he used to say, he would never die - he'd only change the planet. For the memory of his face, I got a big photography from his family. It shows him working during a vintage at the Mosel. Wine was his passion. He lived and died without much compromise. And if they should hand harps to the angels in heaven, I'm sure he will get his one electrified. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveLohr 0 Posted August 25, 2011 Olham-My condolences to you and your friend's family for your loss. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RAF_Louvert 101 Posted August 25, 2011 . I am very sorry for your loss Olham. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Sir, and to the family of your departed friend. . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
foreigndevil 0 Posted August 25, 2011 My condolences. I know how it feels, having lost some friends too early, too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Von Paulus 8 Posted August 25, 2011 Sorry to hear that, Olham. I too am living a painful situation. My condolences, mate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olham 164 Posted August 25, 2011 Thank you all, guys! Von Paulus, whatever your loss - I hope you may feel connected through our fine forum; you are not alone, old chap! (Ah, sorry - forget the "old") Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hasse Wind 46 Posted August 25, 2011 I'm also very sorry for the loss of your friend, Olham. I've discovered that time is indeed the great healer. Words may sound hollow, but in time, all sorrows will fade and become easier to bear. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carrick58 23 Posted August 25, 2011 My condolences, I wish I had the words to ease a persons loss. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites