Losing Johnny
A new town and two little brothers aged four and six go off to explore and play by the river bank. Tragically only William returns home that day.
"This photograph is my Mother's most treasured possession.
Johnny was six and I was four.
A new town and we were off to explore. We ran across the street, over the old bridge and along the river bank.
Boats with lots of shiny wood were taking day trippers up the river.
"Let's have a paddle", said Johnny.
Hand in hand we watched the boats go by and jumped as the waves from them rushed towards us.
I watched the next wave; perhaps it was bigger than the others. I felt his hand leave mine and suddenly I was alone. I called his name but there was no answer.
I remember picking up two pairs of sandals, both full of water, and walking home.
I lay in bed wondering what a funeral was but knowing that it was something to do with my brother.
He seemed very near and I felt tears in my eyes. I tried to rub them away with clenched fists but they wouldn't stop and I shut my eyes tight. When I opened them I was in bed and the room was dark.
"Johnny", I felt as though he was there and I called him again. I reached out a hand but found only blackness. A terror gripped me and I jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs.
All these years later and I still seem to be reaching for his hand."
William Bleasdale
