Sep 09 2008
Campfire Learning.
Campfire yarns soon sort the superficially boring from those of substance and so far, after 25 years, Han’s philosophy is absolutely spot on.
His collective campfire philosophers always spin good yarns, have all done more than a bit in life and care not a fig for your reputation or station in life. They empathise, connect and share their wisdom, and are just so funny your face aches. Great teachers, each and every one of them. I’ve loved these campfire moments over the last 25 years and learned so much. More than I ever have in any university, conference or classroom.
Hans, at 3 score and ten; the German war orphan, 1950’s post war migrant, precision toolmaker, self made business man and dedicated family bloke went and scared me stupid last Tuesday.
Hans had a stroke. Always fit as a mallee bull, proud, intelligent and accepting. But he still went down like a sack of spuds. It then got worse on Thursday. Hans went missing in suburban Sydney, despite having minimal co-ordination and mobility, he left the hospital. Deluded, confused and luckily without further injury he was returned some 5 hours later. When we finally arrived in Sydney, I was so angry I could have smacked him fair in the chops. My mate doesn’t do this to me. How bloody selfish.
Returning home today, the neurologist confirmed an inter cranial bleed was the culprit. No word yet on permanency or otherwise of any brain injuries but over the last 4 days Hans has picked up considerably and the medicos early prognosis is optimistic.
Knowing Hans, when he beats this insidious stroke he will invite the entire Burning Crew to the “Campfire to End All Campfires”. He’ll sure have the best campfire yarn to share when he tells all about meeting the police in the streets of Sydney, wearing his summer boxers in late winter, long socks and dress shoes, in a fancy pink loosely tied hospital gown. Knowing Hans as I do, he’ll already be laughing on the inside, embellishing this beauty for public consumption.
My point?
Seminal moments like these focus the brain and give perspective.
Life is fragile, real friendships are rare and we take so much for granted.
Get well soon mate. Me and the world are thinking of you.
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