One of Gar’s many soulful gifts and talents was his ability to give the most sincere, penetrating and heartfelt hugs. He was renowned for them and they were coveted. Entering into the embrace of his arms as you approached him, carried a unique tingle of precious excitement and the warmth of spiritual healing.
They are one of the very many, phenomenal things that we all miss about him. And yet, because they are so deeply impressed into, and embedded in our bodies, we know we will never forget them.
As you’ll soon be able to read in another blog post, that I spent a week with Gar in India during his last visit there. He and I were in a time of rebuilding our relationship, so I was especially touched that he had invited me. The hugs between us, that you see in the header, were taken on the night I was heading back. It had been a wonderful few days. Gar and I had reconnected and found a new understanding, so while the parting was very sad, it was also incredibly joyful and optimistic.
From his teenage, Gar had always wanted to go to India, something he eventually did with a solo trip in 2014. And while he was understandably nervous, when we drove him to Gatwick Airport that first time, he returned the most Gar we had ever seen and known. Something about the country and what he learned about himself, during those three weeks, blossomed a part of his soul and everyone was able to bask in his happiness.
Gar went back to India pretty much every year after that and sometimes for 3 months at a time. It became a special, restorative sanctuary for him, and that was another reason why it was an honour to have been invited out to spend time with him.
Since we’ve lived in Devon, we have got to know Tati Dennehy, an amazing artist who, in her own words, plays with clay and makes sculptures to touch your spirit and make you smile. Secretly, for my 70th birthday, Gill was inspired by Gar, to commission Tati to capture one of Gar’s hugs, as my forever present. I had absolutely no idea it was happening.
As part of the surprise, the piece, which stands about 16 inches tall, was covered, under a cherished Indian scarf of Gar’s. I immediately new something incredible was about to happen. And as I ever so gently lifted the material, it was as if Gar had swept into the room and embraced me with the deepest, deepest swell of love. It’s a moment that will stay with me and brings me to tears, while I’m writing this.
We now have another wonderful piece of Tati’s art in the house, and her incredible skills have also created a family heir loom, that will be passed onto, and be cherished by, Gar’s sister, and then onward again by her daughter, who already has her own, personal commune with her loving uncle.
Please click on any of the images below, to open the gallery sequence to the full size images.
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