A shark in Brighton

It is odd how quickly one becomes accustom to walking around Brighton wearing all the necessary aids and equipment for a non swimmers day at the beach topped off with a man being eaten by a shark costume for good measure. Children stopped and pointed as we walked down the street, asking their mothers why and what those odd people were doing. Others laughed and there were more than a few compliments on the choice of bikini, and so began the long standing and sacred tradition among men involving the ritual humiliation of the stag.

I have to hold my hands up and say that it was a just a little late, but in agreement with all concerned we came to the conclusion that it probably fell under similar legislation to the stature of rights and that a years guarantee was applicable. The deadline for that voucher was fast approaching so I sketched out the frame of a plan and left the guys to get on with the stitch up. They did well and Saturday afternoon we headed off to Brighton dressed like idiots with me at the helm. There were challenges and drinking fines for all number of minor incursions, we talked the nonsense men do when oiled with beer and laughed at things of the past. There are pictures and probably video footage too captured in glorious HD which I am sure is being primed for upload to Facebook as I type. We hit a couple of pubs on the way to the venue and turned up to the comedy club all members still accounted for. Unlike the movies I did not wake up in the morning to find Mike Tyson's tiger in the bathroom and I think that in general other than drinking way too much I do not have that many skeletons waiting to break out of the closet. Right before the haziness of alcohol set in and the details became blurred I looked around at the faces before me filling in a few regretfully empty metaphorical chairs. It is humbling to know that people have turned up for you. At this point of our lives when our responsibilities out weigh the time we have for ourselves and there are never enough hours in any given day, time is by far our most precious asset. To travel from the other end of the country, spending hours on the road or train, giving up cherished time that could be lavished on a young family or partner over the weekend you hoped all week would get here one day sooner, to spend money hard earned on ensuring someone else has one of the best night out ever are just the tip of the iceberg that makes these guys so special. Some I have known for many many years and together we have watched one another grow through to the people we have become today. Others I have known for less time but I value just as much having more than earned the moniker friend in too many ways to mention.

Sitting there half eaten by my shark costume I concluded what I already knew, that friends do not come any better than these guys. For I count myself a lucky man to know these people and see no reason that should ever stop being the case. It is well said that if you can count your very good friends on one hand then you are a lucky man. In which case I have more than twice the luck of most.

Thank you guys for making it a very special night that I shall never forget.