A month and a day ago I wrote about dear John John. I had just received a phone call from a family friend telling me that JJ was not at all well; he had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. This came pretty much out of the blue, a month or two previously he’s been ok, but then came down with pneumonia – it was this that had brought him back to the UK for treatment in the first place.
Tonight, I received another call, to let me know that John John passed away this afternoon.
I don’t know what to say as I can’t really think. I can’t quite believe it. The idea of him not being around just does not fit in with my reality…
I was able to speak with John but 36 hours ago, something I am very grateful for. He was very sweet, so gentle and kind, asking me how I was, and telling me to give his love to my ‘better half’, *twinkle*, whom he met a couple of weeks ago.
John John, you will be sorely missed. You have been an integral part of my Japan ever since I first went there, and a big part of my warm feeling for the country stems from the welcome you always extended to me whenever I visited. Your memory will live on for many many years.
You will be sorely missed.
John John on his famous yellow bicycle in Kichijoji, Summer 2005.
I’m just going home now, but before I dip to infrequent internet use, I just want to say how sorry I am. He looks like a person who smiled a lot, and has clearly made an impression on your life. Your fortune was good to have had such a friend. My helpfulness is limited, but you have my phone number and email address, so please let me know if there’s anything I can do.
thank you Amelia, much appreciated.