R.I.P. - Johan van der Merwe

It's always a sad event when someone passes. It's bad when it's an elderly / sickly person. It's worse when it's a young man in the prime of his life.

I have known Johan since the day he was born! Born to the most beautiful parents any child could wish to have, and likewise, he was probably the ideal child any parents could have. I had known his mom for some years, and then his dad, and I became house friends with them, and their extended families, to the point where even today I am referred to as the other brother. Johan was like my nephew.

As a young man he always impressed at school, academically and at sports. Always the respectful and well liked child in any group. At high school, more of the same, and developed into a real heart breaker as well. He was, if this term can be used to describe a man, a very beautiful person!
Well mannered, intelligent, damn good looking, respectful, kind, party animal.... damn, I've always said I hope my sons turn out like him, and to date they are doing so.

The oldest of 3 children, he was also the last to decide to get married, and he had set 22 Nov this year as the date.
Last week Thursday night on the way home with his betrothed he lost control of the car, and was killed. The young lady is critical in hospital in an induced coma.
I cannot begin to imagine what his parents are going through right now, suffice to say that his dad, an upstanding, proud Afrikaner will be broken. He has just lost his first born son. The last one to settle down with the promise of grandchildren to come. The one who had left home (the farm in Koffiefontein) for the bright city lights, had studied at varsity, worked nights in a bar, done maths tutoring to raise extra money, made people happy / sad, who loved life, and loved to love.... who had just a short year ago come back home to settle down, joined the family business, was preparing to take over the reins..... Johan is no longer there.

I remember him telling me how proud he was of me after I had beaten the big "C". I wonder, did he ever realise how proud I was of him, just for being himself? My boys though he was the bees knees, wanting to be just like him one day. Well, I still hope they will.

Johan my boy, you were very loved, and will be sorely missed. Your burial on the farm next weekend will probably be the saddest day that place will ever see. I don't know where you are, or where you aren't, but you must know that everyone who will be there, and I know we will be many, will come because of the love we have for you and your family. We are left with a very empty space in our lives, which no one could possible fill, but then again, having known you, I would not want any other to even try to fill it. This empty, pained space is reserved for you, and will always be.

Rest in Peace my boy - thank you for sharing your life with me.

Salagatle!