Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.
One of the greatest fears that I have is Death. No, not for myself – although there are times when I do wonder what would happen to my soul but that is strictly an existential conundrum – but more of what I would do if Mr Thick dies first.
I know, it’s not exactly the most romantic of things to think about your loved one but it’s hardly surprising coming from me because my own dad passed on 23 years ago, leaving my mom to bring up two kids by herself. Death may not be a close concept to many people (and you should feel blessed!) but it’s real to me.
I’ve always told Mr Thick that he had better not die before I do because there is no way I could go on without him. Oh, I am pretty sure he can survive on his own two feet without me. He may even go on and find somebody else (in which case, he can definitely expect a nocturnal visit from his very dead, very pissed and very ghostly wife). But me, nah. I could possibly live without him but why would I want to do that when being with him brings me so much joy every day?
But I digress. The clip above tells the story of Danny and Annie. They talk about their 27-year-old romance, from their very first date to his final days with terminal cancer. It’s so beautiful, touching and poignant. Two years after recording this interview and on the day that it was broadcast on public radio, Danny died.
I’m not embarrassed to say that I cried while watching this.
Yannisms 