Yesterday was a solemn day...

It was a sad, but liberating moment.

As I handed over the burgeoning Ikea bag to the lovely lady at the op-shop, I started to describe to her what was in the bag.

I realised I was actually delivering an impromptu but heartfelt eulogy.

She had zero interest and cut me short telling me to “stick it over there with the others, Love!”

I placed the Ikea bag down, crouched down, and stroked the ties one last time.

Each had its own story. Each, an old friend.

I composed myself, and bravely walked out the shop.

As I reached the door, I looked over my shoulder to take one last glance at the body of armour that had protected me in the trenches of front line recruitment, month after month.

The old lady was examining a small spot on the lapel of one of my suits.

“Probably an almond latte from Strozzi”, I sniffed and smiled to myself, a tiny tear running down my cheek.

March on, Dear Friends… March on…