West Yorkshire, 1995
When my best friend's father died suddenly in 1995, I found myself helping the family out by runnning errands, answering the door to visitors, making cups of tea, preparing snacks and generally being a shoulder to cry on. For three days I made myself available to help them come to terms with their loss. It was the least I could do for a family that meant so much to me. Resembling Norman Wisdom in both looks and personality, Dennis was a warm, hardworking family man; the life and soul of family gatherings. His death came as a great shock to everyone.
After three days it was time for me to say my goodbyes. But no sooner had I shut the car door and put the key in the ignition than I broke down. After three days of being strong, I found myself sobbing uncontrollably into the steering wheel.
A few minutes later, I felt someone put their hand on my shoulder and squeeze. Sobbing away I assumed my best friend had seen me crying from the living room window and slipped into the passenger side of the car to console me. After a few more moments, I lifted my head to acknowledge whoever it was who'd gotten into my car ... only to discover that the car was empty apart from me.
To this day I believe it was Dennis saying thank you and letting me know that he was okay and that I would be too.
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