Sometimes the world send a little reminder that life isn't fair, like a slap to the face it lets you know that our time here is short, and how long we have isn't guaranteed for anyone. Often those who are full of life and love go first, before their time. It seems that in a way they know that their time on this earth is shorter than most and so make the most of what time they have.
Today, many of us mourned the loss of a great friend, and a great man, and despite the many hundreds of people the attended his funeral, I know there were many more across the country and the world who were wishing they could be with us but were there in spirit. All to pay homage to Mr Amazing Paulie-pants.
I'll never forget the first time I met Paulie- which is saying a lot. It's not often that I remember such details, not being a detail person, or in the possession of a great memory storage. But there I was, attending my first Stomp (for those of you who don't know, that is the name of a swing dance social here in Perth) nervous as hell, with my new skills barely honed after my 6 week beginners course just completed, I spent much more time sitting on the sides enjoying watching all the amazing dancing that was happening around me and just breathing in all things swing. My good friend Kimmy was looking after me, already what I considered a pro dancer, they all looked impossibly good and I knew there was know way I could keep up with my limited repertoire so I was simply having the time of my life looking on and barely being able to contain my excitement for when I could be up there dancing with all those amazing people without feeling guilty for not knowing anything. Having an in with Kimmy was fantastic as she had been telling me all about the awesome people and introducing me to many poor people who graciously put up with my bad dancing and so friendships were started that have become very important to me over the years.
One of these people she introduced to me was Paulie, who she had laughingly called Mr Bean. Upon meeting him I could definitely see the resemblance! Kimmy having been asked for a dance mentioned off-hand that Paulie was their resident magic man. Those few words were all it took. Out whipped the cards and he proceeded through magic card tricks that I will never be able to tell you what they were, as unfortunately for a slightly annoyed Paulie, I couldn't take my eyes off the dancers long enough to pay his tricks due attention. But he graciously sat there with me so I wouldn't be alone, showing off all of his latest tricks to a rather unappreciative audience. But I was grateful for his company, and over the years I have been blessed with a number of dances with the Great Paulie. And they always stand out in my memory.
Mr Amazing Paulie Pants the magic man, will be greatly missed by many. But we are so lucky to have known him even for a minute.
So I take this time, if you have gotten this far through my horrible writing, to tell you as a friend that I love you all dearly. It is something we don't say enough. Or sometimes say too much, blandly throwing the words around without them having meaning. But my friends, those near and far away, as I am blessed to have many friends throughout the world, I want you to know that you are all so special for me.
