Firstly I would like to start by apologising for the delay in writing my take on the current situation and events regarding my dad, Colin. Trying to put pen to paper to explain my thoughts and feelings has proven to be somewhat of a challenge, and we all know it doesn’t take much to get me in a spin. As spins go this feels like I’m stuck on a roundabout and can’t get off so bear with me people. Nothing we say or do is going to make this dreadful cancer inside my dad’s head go away but what really puzzles me the most is where he found the room to fit this inside his bonce, all that knowledge stuck between the alien invader….it’s no wonder he’s been getting headaches!!
This has been a blow to myself and my family but the strength of character my dad shows every day makes me proud to be his son. I am thankful that I have had 27 years of knowing this man not only as a father, but as a best friend. I watch him and my mum together as this illness takes effect and see that the love they share holds no bounds, they both are truly amazing people and I take my hat off to them.
Sentiments aside I would like to bore you all with some nostalgia. Where to begin is yet another challenge for me as there are too many good times to note, and not enough ink in the printer. Being the original Phyliss you’ll all appreciate how I like to go into the detail of everything so I’m prepared to spend this week’s wages on matches for all the tiring eyelids of the people that take the time to read this blog! Anyhoo….
It was my dad’s birthday last week so we rallied the troops for …..yes, you guessed it an Indian at the local curry house. As always, the smith clan took over the restaurant and ordered everything off the menu, drinks included. As the evening wore on we were all somewhat inebriated and cracking jokes at the waiters expense with everybody putting their two penneth worth in, but the cherry on the bakewell was dads comedy gold comment which had us in stitches. There was no hint of the underlying situation and dad was his usual comical self, which is what we all love about him. His sense of humour is second to none and if I ever get to become as funny as him I’ll chuckle all the way to the comedy club…! I’m sure Shelley will have something to say about this as she is second in line in the comedy stakes!
All jokes aside, I would like to thank everybody for the support and love given to my Dad since he was diagnosed as having a GBM. Words cannot explain how tragic this is for everybody who knows and loves him and is something which you always think will happen to somebody else. Well it’s happened to us and having read up about this type of cancer can see that dad is fighting this head on…..literally! The courage and strength he shows every day is typical of his character and leaves me in awe.
Tonight he’s gone on the usual pilgrimage to London to watch the Chelsea Tottenham match. It’s a draw which I’m sure Dad will be none best pleased about as a win would have given us the qualification for next season champions league, but now it will have to go the wire. With two games remaining I am confident dad’s spirit will pull the mighty blues through!!…
Come on you Blues and on that note I’m off to put a bet on….
Love you with all my heart Dad,
Headcase Ironman 
Total, total respect !
PS how did you get Benitez in the photograph ?
Well done Tom that was very emotional, had me in tears, your so right what you say about your mum and Dad they really have had their share and still they make us all smile and in your dads case (laugh) we all love him and your mum dearly and cant bear to see the pain they are going through. See you soon Phylis xx
brilliant bit tommy.its not easy to put thoughts to paper.i feel very sad about ur poor dad.i used to c ur mum and in kennedys gardens together after school,and their love has grown stronger with the years.life has never been fair mate.theyve had to go through so much pain together and also u and ur brothers and sisters.they r very strong and ur dad has always been very funny.i could go on all nite mate but I don’t want to bore u.all the best mate.all u can do is give them as much love and care as possible.ive always loved ur family so much mate.love eric xxxxxxx
Tommy,
Well written words that describe a son’s feeling for a Dad and a really good man. He will be chuffed when he reads it , Vincent
What an amazing family you are, I have always loved Helens whacky sense of humour and it obviously runs in the genes. Your dad sounds an incredible man and has the love of his family seems to give him strength. I feel very humbled by you all and it puts my little niggles into perspective, carry on looking after each other xxxxx
Ahhh Tommy, it couldn’t have been easy to write such a heartfelt and emotional message, well done. Thinking of you all xxxx
Bless you Tommy and all your family
i love you very much too Tommy.it is very hard to read such sentiment when its all about you,we really have made such wonderful memories and have as a family had such funny stories to recall,we all take the piss out of each other most of the time but i am so proud of each and every one of you kids for different reasons and achievements,for you Tommy first and foremost for being a wonderful father yourself(as a role model i will take credit for that one) and for the time served in RHA 7 Para ,Afghanistan,Kosovo,all worrying times,
by the way has your brother Jamie had his computer stolen???I have looked for his blog and cant find it anywhere ha ha xxx
Lovely 😉
Truly inspirational family
Oh Tommy, what can I say other than Alex and I send you our love and support – and I was just looking at the Smith family in the Indian curry house only the other day!! You sent me photos from your 21st birthday celebrations all those years ago!!! An amazing family who doesn’t deserve what life has thrown your way . Love Victoria xxx