Stand By Me.

Like a lot of people, I tend to sit and reflect a bit at the end of the year and these reflections take different forms depending on how the year has gone. This year has obviously been unusually shit, so I won’t bother myself with musing on the last twelve months simply because everyone has been there and nobody is going to be impressed or interested in my version of ‘2021-What the hell was that?’

Instead, I am going to take the opportunity to thank the people who have been there for me throughout more than five decades of life. The people who took me at my lowest and worst and helped lead me toward being a (slightly) better human being. From schooldays to work days and through my entire life on this globe. Think of it as a ‘reverse Oscars’ speech. A celebration of the lows rather than the highs.

To my family, who probably felt like they had bugger-all choice, I’m glad you’re still speaking to me. No matter what ridiculous situation I found myself stuck in, there was always a safe haven back home in the Highlands. 

To Steve who was as much a part of me as my right leg. Who bailed me out when I was stuck in Germany after being released from a Czechoslovak jail and helped on far too many other occasions when I was drunk, foolish, reckless or just generally got my ambition and my capability all mixed up. I owe you way more than a mere beer and can’t thank you enough.

To the women in my life. I learned something from all of you and I wasn’t always the best at being the man in your life in return. Usually this was because I was just an overgrown boy dressing up as a man. Some lessons take a bit more learning. Thanks for your patience.

To all my friends who picked me up, who opened doors, smoothed out life’s bumps and who generally were there when I needed a hand, you are a pleasure to know and I will never be able to repay you all but know that I appreciate you.

Whoever you are, however we know each other, be aware that you are a part of my life and I am eternally grateful that this is so.

As the year winds down, I sincerely hope that we all have a much happier and healthier 2022 and wish you all the very best in the best possible future.

Slainte mhath.