RIP Redmidland, Malcolm, Malc, Wally - p11

I insisted she got out of the van for a full on hug, Colin not to be left out got one too.
As we moved away from each other I could see in her eyes she was exhausted, working two jobs one of them at night as well as the puppy classes.
The banter in the van was relentless, as I mentioned the old classics “we set our watches back to 1970 as we passed Watford” to which the reply “did you bring a big coat for your trip t’up north”
As we set off to see Wally after dropping her dogs home the mood changed, what can we expect? 

Both Angie and Colin compared their recent interactions with Wally and how his deterioration had come about so quickly.
Our arrival on the ward was one I won’t forget, gone was that man I last saw instead was a frail, almost shell of the guy we know and love.
As we neared his bed Wally opened his eyes and held out his hand which I gently accepted as he pulled my hand towards him and kissed it, my brain was whirring half expecting him to say “about that tenner you owe me” but there was nothing barely able to keep his eyes open he thanked me for coming. 

I stepped aside to let Colin and Angie say hello and within minutes he was asleep again and pretty much that is how the the visit went, us shuttling between the family room and Wallys bedside.
We agreed trying to read out 10 pages of messages would be to much but summarised by saying everyone on the CL send their love and best wishes.
I then played the videos sent to me last night, no sooner Curbs voice was heard Wally opened his eyes and his face broke into a smile, while mine went the other way as struggled to hold it together as I played Scott’s message followed by Steve Brown, again Wally thanked me, he heard the voices but I doubt he would have understood a word that was said, but that didn’t matter.
After somewhere between five and six hours visiting a mainly sleeping only crying out when his pain was so intense he needed pain relief.
Angie told us it was time to go………..
Trying hard not use words like “goodbye “ I rehearsed the words in my head that I would say before we left, reached out and took Wallys hand.
Before I had chance to speak, in a broken whisper Wally said “Promise me you’ll stay with me until I die” 
I knew I couldn’t promise him that, but rested my hand on his shoulder and I’m right here mate with you all the way.
I kissed his forehead and made way for others, but I was broken and only now as I relive today have the tears started to flow. 

Some 15 years ago I started a journey with a fella that liked German Shepherds and Charlton Athletic, Wallys journey is almost over and we are talking hours and days not days and weeks, I’ll go to my grave knowing I had a brother from another mother.
Take care Wally and when the time comes you’ll be pain free.
xx