People often ask me, “how are you liking it?”
They are referring to this position as editor, knowing that it can be hard to hold a mirror up to your own community. It’s hard to be in this position when the community is feeling fractious, but also difficult when there is a communal sense of profound loss.
What Piers meant to each of us is different, but we have all had a drink from the same well. Now the well has gone dry and we already feel a thirst for the unquenchable spirit in Piers.
Since the day the sad news came through, strangers have been hugging on the patios, while others among us have turned inward, avoiding eye contact, expressing the sorrow through words on folded blue hearts taped to a wall.
For a long time, I used to think that Piers was remarkable, learning my name in a heartbeat of interaction. “Lou,” however, turned out to be “Blu,” a random choice of names. It was the name for all his customers because, he said, he, “couldn’t remember names.” Being part of Team Blu, Blue, or Bloo was fine by me, it was a shared moniker; a shared island experience already missed.
Piers accomplished a lot in his life, but what he did for a community in his retirement years touched thousands of people. He lifted our spirits with just the sparkle in his eyes. Piers added the colour to our quiet little cove.
I had the lovely opportunity to sit with Piers and Joan in January to hear their stories of life and love. I hope you had the chance to read the feature article. Their passion for each other shone through in the way they looked at each other and laughed over their shared stories.
Piers had so many great stories, all of which focused on his time with his family.
He told me that being a grandfather made him, “as happy as a dog with four tails.” He had those great turns of phrase throughout his narratives. He had stories of a great life and a great love. I think we are lucky to have been part of the Piers Hayes story.
I hope that you enjoy the photos shot mostly by Kate Brew in this edition. Kate spent a few hours outside the Snug with people who came to express their condolences on blue paper hearts. Kate captured the smiles and the tears. She captured Bowen.
On behalf of the Undercurrent, we extend deep condolences to the Hayes family, and thank you for sharing your story.
Louise
