Off Topic It's rare that I ever give anyone advice ...

Very thought provoking post Smug.. I have not had any contact with a certain family member for over 10 years now...been that long I really don't know what its about. I am 67, he is over 70...Think I need to reach out...If anything happens to him, I will never forgive myself

 

This is a cracking thread, Smug, which has made quite a few of us think a bit, no matter how variable in subject.

It's also further evidence, if any was needed, of the type of bloke you are . . . . well done again

 

Sooner or later, it will mate.

 

Great thread Smug.

Ive read the op a (quite) few times, and read the thread through a couple of times, and its certainly a thought provoking thread, it definately got me thinking.

I would like to echo @flandersmackem post above. Very similar circumstances, but two family members...my 2 brothers.
They are very close to each other, but ive kind of drifted apart from them over the last few years.

I called them both today and we had a good chat, and are going to meet up next weekend (I'm away this weekend) and go for a bite to eat, just the 3 of us.

Your post hit home Smug, thanks for posting this thread.
It may be rare you give advice, but it was excellent advice. Thank You, .

 

Similar with me flanders, my brother fell out with me at our eldest brothers funeral back in 2007. Apparently I insulted him which I could never recall, unfortunately he was led by the nose by his wife who turned out to be a right bitch.
I tried several times to hold out an olive branch to no avail, and we never spoke even when we burried another brother in 2013.
He suffered a massive stroke in February last year and asked to see me but I couldn't bring myself to go as in my head it would only cause an issue so I stayed away.
He died two weeks later, I attended his funeral service despite being told by his wife and eldest son that I wasn't welcome....they couldn't stop me but of course by then it was too late.
His wife died earlier this year....she couldn't even give him a few years peace and quiet.I
I raised a glass that day.
Do I regret not going.... Yes I do but you can't turn the clock back.
Smug your thread has certainly hit home with me and has made me think a lot these last few days and I thank you for that.
Sorry this is a bit long.

 

There’s a friendship group of 4 inc me, where we have been best mates for 50 years, I always keep in touch and meet them as much as possible despite moving down south 27 years ago.
We are all going on a lads weekend next month to a log cabin in Thirsk and I can’t wait.
Couldn’t wish for better mates

 

Smug , as you know we go back a hell of a long way and these memories should never die...I'm.hoping see you at Fulham ..hoping not my last game.mind . I'm not bloody going away yet
I'll bring our lass's pies and peas pud stotties for the crew , no kippers this time
Keep the faith ..we'll all meet next Sept , me and my lads ...

 

Just a bit of false advertising to put pressure on our mutual friend for Fulham tickets!

 

Hope you are well Sid.... You're a big miss on these boards...one of the best posters... take care

 

Similar to yourself. Been knocking about with one lad from 5 yrs old. From hitting 18(16 ish in reality) we have had one night a week on the drink, holidays excepted. There was a team of 7 of us known each since senior school (11 yrs old) now sadly down to 5 but we still have at least a monthly catch up as well as bumping into each other on other sociable occasions.
Even at 65 we have an annual school reunion which is great for keeping in touch.
I suppose I have been very lucky.

Only downside I have is my best man died on my stag night

 

Ha - with that one line I know who you are
I'll definely be going to Fulham now

 

He took the credit for that himself for years, mind