It had become a tradition between Tom and myself that when ever we travelled, we would buy each other a bottle of scotch that we had never tried before. Whilst these were gifts to each other, it was understood that we would never try a new scotch with out one another. When I visited Tom in Johannesburg, I would constantly remind him of the stock that awaited us back in Harare, it was against this backdrop that I selfishly looked forward to coming home with Tom. Well that did not pan out as planned. However I am now home and whilst it took twelve days longer to get round to Tom’s house, just being in a position to sit in the garden with a truly special friend was a memory that I will always cling too. And yes that single malt “Ian Macleod’s Smokehead” tasted so sweet.
I am home and on the mend, with a serious bout of cabin fever starting to set in. I would just like to use this opportunity of thanking all of those who visited me in hospital as well as those who sent me well wishes from all over the world. Special thanks to Alison my amazing wife, who has kept a level head and ensured that I take it easy. Lance my little brother for dropping everything and coming to collect me in Johannesburg. Sally who without hesitation, and in the middle of one of the most emotional times of her life, found time to comfort Alison while I was in ICU. Tom for being so patient and waiting for that drink. Ant Gibbs my partner for taking over my job. Last but by no means least and in no order of priority the rest of the team I was riding with Ant, Mark, Wendy, Nikki and Brenda sorry for the poor times.
Tom the next round is on you.
Bren
#1 by Nikki & Terry Edwards at December 10th, 2009
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I like it
#2 by Peta-Jane and Craig at December 10th, 2009
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Fine words Bren! Glad you are on the up & up.
Will see if we can find another obscure single malt at duty free to add to the MBrown/Soper collection. See you soon……..
#3 by Zane Malloch-Brown at December 11th, 2009
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Bren,
You left out a special thanks to all of the orthapedic surgeons who, without your assistance, would be driving around is Datsun Repulsers. Glad to hear you are on the mend and well enough to enjoy a wee dram with Tom. Gdday and love from the three of us down under.
Zaneo, Chrissie and the Rilester
#4 by Dave Wood at December 11th, 2009
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Hey Bren – look forward to sharing a whiskey in Slaapstad – unfortunately we only drink Three Ships down here but I’m told it’s as good
Hope you’re on the mend and well enough to take charge of the braai on new years.
All the best – Dave, Vics and Zac
#5 by Wendy Greenway at December 11th, 2009
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Bren,
I am still a gibbering wreck from watching you fly through the air with the greatest of ease, and I won’t mention the landing! Maybe I should have a whisky or two for my nerves. Glad the year is ending with Tom at home and you on the mend, may 2010 be plain sailing for us all, cheers to that!!xxxx
#6 by Robs at December 11th, 2009
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You’re a good man Bren M-Brown. So very pleased you got to finally have that whiskey with Tom. Keep healing. XXXXX
#7 by Lyn at December 11th, 2009
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Thanks for the update! Good to hear you on the mend. Cheers … Lyn x
#8 by Gay & Peter Bourhill at December 11th, 2009
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Tom & Bren. What a friendship & what a way to cherish it. You will have to find out how many brands of scotch there are in the world just to make sure they can keep up! So, so, happy you are both doing so brilliantly. Lots of love Gay Peter Seb Freda Jack Joseph Char Karl & Marcus
#9 by Sal at December 12th, 2009
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Seeing these two special men on my verander, Tom in his wheelchair and Bren sitting on a chair locked into his back brace holding that whiskey glass to his mates lips was a picture for my sore heart. Welcome Home both of you. Here’s to many more sweet whiskey sips.
#10 by Kat at December 13th, 2009
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two very special freinds!Something to be trule envied.
Merry Christmas to you and both your families and here’s to 2010 putting an end to this Annus Horriblus..
Kat
xxx
#11 by Karin at December 13th, 2009
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Hi Brendon & Alison
I was doing a Google search on the 94,7 cycle race and came across this page – how life can change so suddenly.
It’s Karin, the very grumpy chick who was in the bed next to you in ICU. I must apologize, I really was bad company and very moody.
I am so pleased to read that you are enjoying a Scotch again – just don’t fall ! How is your recovery going ? I get what you mean about the cabin fever thing. However, after staring at that yellow clock in ICU for 6 days I vowed to not complain again. I hope to start training again in January. I really miss it. Can’t get on the bike for a few months, not sure if I will. Anyhow, got to be patient with the recovery. It’s a great feeling when the little things start falling into place again.
Thank goodness it’s not 4 weeks ago. I wish you all the best for 2010 – may it be a great year ! Cheers to you and Tom and your families.
Take care, hope you are getting stronger day by day.
Kind regards
Karin
PS – Alison, thanks for cutting my chicken “that night” – kind of you.
#12 by Patch at December 14th, 2009
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Trev told me that the pair of you were on fine form when he popped around on Friday. Glad you’re both back home and smiling. xxx
#13 by Hilary Clifton at December 14th, 2009
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Dear Tom and Sal
We are so busy with things as Christmas approaches – presents, food and drink, cards, Nativity things at school, parties and so on. More importantly is the gathering of family and the celebration of togetherness and sharing.
You all continue in our prayers and I wish you so much love and peace this Christmas.
Hilary, Gretta’a friend in Melksham
#14 by Rob & Sue at December 14th, 2009
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Bren and Tom – how wonderful for you to have such a special friendship and sharing in your tradition of whisky. Perhaps Bren you could treat Tom to a bottle of “Blue ” that you so willingly use as a wager.