Oh Honey! Still miss you more than I can ever say xXx
Helen
25th September 2009
It's been almost two years now. Although I only met Harmen once we had a lot of laughs and shared a lot of thoughts in a short space of time. I have fond memories of Harmen scooting around the farm on the quad bike. Through his suffering I have learned to count my own blessings and he was - and still is - an inspiration. Gareth - Franschhoek, South Africa
Gareth Pieterse
11th December 2008
I am Blessed to have called Harmen both my colleague and my good friend. I am so Thankful that Harmen found true Happiness with Helen.....if only Harmen could have enjoyed many, many, more years of such True Love.
I wish to share some of my fondest memories of Harmen:
While on one of my many business trips to London, I remember with fondness sitting at an All Bar One on a fairly crowded night. While many other men may have chosen to "party" the night away, Harmen and I chose to scroll through the pictures of his son on his laptop (I think he had just visited around his birthday). It was the perfect way for two gentlemen to share quite their special connection: love of their children, post-divorce, trying to juggle both work and parental responsibilities, when our children no longer lived with us.
I remember a dinner that I had with Harmen and Helen at the Intercontinental London's seafood restaurant. It was at the stage when Harmen first started using a cane. We had lots of laughs.....and lots of wine.....which helped me disguise my sadness of how Harmen was starting to deteriorate. Then, I remember getting very mad after that trip.....how could someone so young, arguably one of the best looking men that I have ever shaken hands with, in such great physical condition, suddenly just become afflicted with such a disease ???
Once it was best for Harmen to stop traveling into London for work, I was lucky enough to visit him at his home in Kimpton a few times. I brought over several bottles of wine (a pattern seems to have formed here!) and just spent hours talking(Helen sorry that I was so picky on the food!). Considering Harmen's worsening medical condition, what struck me most about those conversations was Harmen's genuine concern for MY happiness !!! What else could I feel but LOVE for this extraordinary individual who so cared about me that he thought that the answer to my unhappiness/loneliness was to introduce me to his SISTER!!! On the surface, his gesture wreaks of "approval" and "worthiness".....but part of me swears that his sister must have really pissed him off and introducing me toher was going to be his payback !!!
I truly miss Harmen and pray for him every night.....I truly grateful that Helen and Harmen's family have allowed me to share my thoughts on this website.....Love, John Palamarik
John Palamarik
25th March 2008