Losing your friends.

I had the misfortune to lose a dear friend to a good woman. First I lost his attention and then when her ambition moved them to another city contact dwindled further. We are however still in touch and I was delighted to hear news of a pregnancy that produced a fine child called Luke. As my friend and his wife submit to the ties of parenthood we are breaking free. Our son, Charlie is now 14 years old. Before our last visit to Graham, Sandi and the now one year old Luke we raided our attic for a few more of Charlie’s childhood treasures. On reaching the home of our friends, I am stood to one side of their door as my wife rings the door bell. Held in my arms is a large, open cardboard box shaped like a tray or drawer. It contains Christmas presents and the salvaged toys. The door is not answered by Graham or Sandi. It opens slightly and we are greeted by Harry Corbett’s famous glove puppet Sweep. Unseen, I rummage awkwardly in the box which contains Sooty, Sweep and Sooh. Before the door is opened fully I am able to reply with a Sweep. I rather feel it would have been better had I put my hand into Sooty! Our offer of friends for their Sweep was gladly accepted. Sadly our Sweep is now alone in our attic.