Early morning heads up that a close friend’s partner had taken a turn for the worse and the prognosis wasn’t good. I express love and concern and offer of support.

 

I return to the day ahead and encourage my teenage daughter to attend the open day at the college in Nantwich. ‘If we leave at nine, we can have breakfast on the way.’ Nine came and went and I suggested perhaps taking a trip into town later.

 

I was hoping to watch Wales bathe in the glory of the rugby World Cup quarter finals with my son, a fine rugby player himself, before diner and local theatre with my father in law. Just another day in the life of a woodcutter.

 

Around half past nine I get a note to say that a wedding was in the making up north and my services as a best man were required. ‘I am on my way’ was the only possible response.

 

Message to grandpa cancelling our evening, suggesting he took his granddaughter instead and could he take his grandson to rugby in the morning.

 

Second message to a couple of pals for pointers on the speech. Desperate times call for a calm and capable contribution, comedy optional.

 

Two hundred miles later I arrived at the chapel in the hospital with 30 minutes to spare, almost floored by the positioning of a third, child’s chair at the altar. At three and a half, the day may form part of their child’s earliest memories.

 

At the right moment I handed rings to the vicar, she had her grandmother’s wedding ring and he had the key ring from their camper van. They were blessed in front of their closest family and friends and they were pronounced man and wife, in sickness and health, till death do us part. We all cried and are still are.

 

We drank champagne and I managed a couple of smiles with my speech. Photographs were taken and she returned to the ward to prepare for her final journey home. My work was done and it was time for me to return home. Before I go I unload a barrow bag of logs to keep them warm and was presented with a case of his craft cider to keep me warm. Real life, with all the rough edges; cherish every moment with your loved ones.