Sorry, this is a bit late - I usually post this Monday night in order to deal with the time vagaries of our membership - however last night I was struck down by 'orrible pains in my stomach. Phil, my partner, took me to the emergency clinic where we sat for ages - something I definitely will not miss when I pop it, although there probably isn't a need for an ER on the other side.
What I will miss though is the love and concern shown by Phil as I sat moaning, and he trying to comfort me.
I left home when I was very young, the stereotypical wide-eyed innocent gaping at the wonders of the big city, easy prey for those who like to eat kids for breakfast. It would have been so easy to have become just another missing kid, especially considering some of the places where I bedded down for the night.
But that didn't happen. There's a chain of tiny restaurants in London called 'The Stockpot' and it was there that I met Peter - you had to share tables at The Stockpot. Peter told me he was on his way to interview for a front of house job at the Adelphi Theatre. "Why don't you come along too?" he said, after I told him I was looking for a job.So I did, we both got the jobs and Peter and I became firm friends and occasional lovers.
Through that one chance meeting my life led me in a direction I had never envisaged. I met people who were actually in the business of show and when they found out I had a voice, encouraged me to audition for producers. I spent 12 years in that business, met some incredible people - and I'm happy to say that most of them are still my friends today. We might be separated by miles and oceans but we've kept in touch throughout the years. Sadly, some have gone, and that is what I now miss, and will always miss - their company - the laughter, the shared secrets, the reaching out to comfort in bad times.
Friends, good friends are hard to come by. A loving partner even harder. I was reminded of that last night, and thanked my lucky stars, that as rotten as I felt - and no doubt looked - Phil was by my side. I don't want to think of when we may no longer be together, somehow I don't think the word 'miss' would encompass what I would truly feel
Jeez- A trip to the ER is a pretty good 'late pass'.
ReplyDeleteJust took Momma X on one of those midnight runs last month. We sorta take turns nursing each other back to health these days. Happy to hear you have someone to care for you; sounds like the feeling's mutual. As you intimated, finding someone like that is often like looking for a needle in the proverbial haystack
You're right - I got 'lucky' 20 years ago - and still thank my lucky stars I took the plunge!
ReplyDeleteYou were in show business? It sounds like you've had a colorful life so far,
DeleteGarce
I worked front and back stage in Londons West End theatres beforeI got the nerve to audition for an ensemble part in a touring musical . I was lucky enough to get some good roles over the years mostly in musicals including Sondheims Company.
DeleteJP, I was so touched when I got that email from Phil. I'm really glad you recovered quickly (or so it seems). You're a lucky guy, and he is, too!
ReplyDeleteI got good drugs at the clinic but panicking because I hadn't written the blog. Phil said don't worry he'd take care of it. Yeah, I'm lucky!
Deleteglad to hear you're ok. Phil sounds very lovely.
ReplyDeleteHe' the best - we've gone through a lot of stress these last few months - but together we'll make it!
ReplyDelete