In memory of Pieter van Rensburg

Seldom for the music to be turned down, for the flashing lights to be switched to dim, for the noise in my mind to be silenced. But last Friday at the memorial service of a brilliant youngster, Pieter van Rensburg, I found myself in such a space in time.

I had known Pieter through Paul Roos, with his brother a class mate of mine, but more so from the hi and bye’s at the swimming pool in the Maties swim squad. I hadnt give Pieter much time of day, but his unmistakable smile I’ll remember for all of time. One that could light up any room.

A stock take moment for me personally, seeing family and friends mourn the tragedy of an unquantifiable loss. He had clearly made such an impact, left such a great legacy. For an athlete like myself, who can get lost in the maize of my own small world, its frightening and moving seeing perspective from the outside for a few brief moments. Who will remember?

A reminder that relationships are what matters most. Family. Friends. My Father in heaven is in the people business, and I best be too then. What else is their to prioritise on more?

Pieter felt he had nowhere to turn. How could it be? How could someone so loved, feel so isolated. How superficial are most of our relationships then? Or is it the facade we front? A bitter sadness with no answers.

 Pieter, you’ve made a positive contribution to my life. I’ll remember that smile. Paul Roos has lost a good man.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 21st, 2008 at 3:05 pm and is filed under Thoughts, Paul Roos. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.