I recently injured my shoulder and it has aggravated a rotator cuff injury. As I walked down a sunny leafy street this morning I found myself mentally thinking through the exercises I would need to do to aid recovery. I thought back to how and when I first learned them and who taught me.

I was in a gym one day and I watched a well built lad doing an unusual exercise with some very light weights. Curiosity got the better of me and I risked looking stupid (not hard for me) to ask what he was doing. It turned out the big scary looking guy was a lovely friendly guy and he patiently explained how the exercises strengthened the rotator cuff and helped prevent, as well as recover, from shoulder injuries.

From this point on we were on nodding terms and many months later I noticed he was particularly dejected. I asked what was up and found out he was going through a bad break up. He could barely speak he was so distressed. After that gym session he left on his motorbike and I never saw hm again. He came off his bike and was killed. I often wonder if his state of mind contributed to the accident but it was a tragic loss of life anyway.

I think of him often, especially when my shoulder grieves me. I’m grateful for what he taught me. I don’t remember his name but I doubt I will ever forget him.

R.I.P.