One of my hockey mates Gareth is having his 40th birthday party tomorrow night. For anyone living near Milton Street High School, get ready. There could be some music and noise, but I’m sure the events will be very low-key. Honest. Trust me, I work in radio.
One of the other events this weekend is on tonight at the Mackay Turf Club. Their big Sugar Awards are on, and I’ll jump on the mic to help it all flow along in my own way.
This weekend we’ve got markets at the showgrounds, beach markets around Bowen and Seaforth over the next few weeks, and with Easter just around the corner, stacks of events are being planned to get the most out of the weather, especially if you’re camping at Eungella or Seaforth. Get your gear ready now.
One thing I’d like to mention in this article today, and it brings a tear to my eye as I write this down.
On Monday we got to say ‘until next time’ for a lovely young man, taken way too early in life. His name is Jai Patrick Degue, and he was just 14 years old. In 5 day’s time, he would have turned 15.
Jai had a smile that would light up a room, a personality to match, and the cheekiness that we can all say, we loved. A couple of weeks ago Jai had a cardiac episode that he never recovered from, and on Monday his family Sarah, Nev, Bruce, Jesse, Yvette and their entire extended family said their goodbyes.
What made it even more special for me, was that last week Sarah and Bruce, after speaking with Nev asked me to officiate Jai’s service. I took it as an absolute honour, and whilst it was emotional to do, I hope I showed respect to Jai and his loved ones, whilst also bringing out some of his wonderful, colourful life that everyone loved.
From seeing the Newhaven Chapel full of people, and then seeing double that outside during the service makes you feel OK that this young man was truly loved in our community.
There were plenty of tears, and there will be more to come, but after hearing the stories about Jai, what he got up to, how he loved Nutella, coffee and that daily banana, it makes you look at life in a different way. Let’s live our lives today. Not tomorrow. Today.
Tell those around you how much they mean to you, laugh a lot, cry more, ruffle someone’s hair up, because you’re tall, treat people with the utmost respect, and please if you’re playing D&D with anyone, keep a thought for Jai. He was a master at it.
Rest in peace young man.
You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!
