This is a song that says it plainly: you rock my world. And if I sit still for a moment and look around at the people who make my world what it is, it is not just one person. It is a brilliant, small but quite perfect constellation. A set of solid, very special people who each bring something specific, grounding, and quietly powerful into my life. The ones who let me be exactly who I am and support me in so many ways.
The Besties
Let us start with my besties. The real ones. The ones who do not blink when I turn up on their doorstep on Christmas Eve dressed as a reindeer complete with a jingle bell that caused a few twitching curtains in the neighbourhood. There is no awkward pause, no polite tolerance. There is laughter, warmth, doors flung open, a nice cuppa put in my hand and a chair pulled up. They accept me exactly as I am, no edits required. That kind of acceptance is rare and it’s gold. They make the world feel easy and open and full of light.
My three rugby musketeers (and Maman D)
Then there are my three rugby musketeers. The thrills, tears and goosebumps amidst laughter, post match parties and above all your kindness. You have seen me at my lowest and gone out of your way to arrange surprises for me like Marseille and the Athenee. I am so very lucky that Yannick set up that online chat group back in 2004/5. When I doubt myself, it’s people like you who have shown me through your friendship that I am cherished and for that I will always be grateful.
Maman D – Merci pour tous les accueils et tes petites attentions, ça fait trop plaisir – bisousssss.
My Bodyguard
Recomissioned by the musketeers into looking after me during the opening match of 6N 2024, he ensured I remained entirely unbothered by both real and imaginary threats, including the particularly persistent leprechauns in Marseille, showing he can still do a perfect hand off, even though they were all probably a few Guinnesses to the wind. Ever vigilant, he maintains a watchful eye on any opportunists attempting to muscle in, while simultaneously bringing the finest sausages for cassoulet, a steady stream of Carambars, and a surprisingly impressive taste in choosing an aftershave for a friend’s birthday present. Equal parts security detail, gourmet supplier, and conversationalist, he has been a constant presence for countless hours of easy chat and quiet reassurance, proof that some friendships can resume despite the passage of years.
Her Bum Never Looks Big in Anything!
My rock through time, (a friendship now comfortably spanning over three decades), is the steady constant everyone needs but few are lucky enough to have. She has been there for everything from clear-headed business advice to gleeful co-conspirator in the plotting of harmless but excellent pranks. She is also, without question, the finest Pictionary partner I could ever wish for, combining quick thinking with an uncanny ability to interpret even my most questionable sketches within 10 seconds! Through all seasons of life, she has remained solid, wise, and very much up for a laugh when it matters most.
My Brother from Another Mother
Family does not always come through blood. Sometimes it arrives in the shape of someone who just gets you. My brother from another mother is exactly that. The kind of presence that does not need explaining or constant checking in. It is there: solid. reliable, unshakeable and with a mutual interest in so many things that make for hours of conversation. The bond has been built on over a decade of shared work projects, humour and understanding. It is simple and strong. He built this community for me and continues to maintain it so that we have a safe and effective channel to help veterans and those in need. You could not ask for anything better.
She’s Got my Back
Every woman needs at least one person who will stand shoulder to shoulder with her, no questions, no hesitation. She has my back. Fully. Always. It shows in the quiet ways, the practical support, the straight talking when needed, the calm presence when things get loud in my head. It is the kind of loyalty that steadies everything.
Merci 🙂
The Maritime Mind
I have the privilege of working with one of the most intelligent project founders I have ever met since working alongside Roger at Airships. A mind that sees clearly, thinks deeply and moves with purpose. Through working with them, I have learned so much about the maritime world, large wooden structures, folklore and creating the right infrastructure for a sustainable trading business. We have spent hours looking at the nautical charts together, with them showing me everything from interesting wreck locations to understanding traffic through the Red Sea. It is a rare opportunity to learn from someone like that and to witness how intelligence and integrity can shape a project from the keel up.
My Son and his Unstoppable Wit
My son. The banter, the quick wit, the timing that catches me off guard and has me laughing before I can stop myself, even though sometimes I am cringeing with embarrassment (no one ever mention Peanut Butter again!). There is a joy in that connection that is completely its own thing. It is light, it is sharp, it is full of energy. He brings laughter into the everyday and that matters more than most things.
Pooh Bear
And then there is Pooh Bear. The one who rocks my world in a way that is quieter but deep and real. I’ve never met anyone who could melt time and leave you wanting more. The presence, the connection and those small moments that carry weight. It is not about grand gestures. It is about what sits underneath: imperfectly perfect him.
Never Forgetting
Max – we walked a long journey together when we were both going through similar personal issues. Hours of chat, picking each other off the floor. We were meant to meet at that time and hold each other’s hand in a platonic friendship that will always hold a special place in my life.
Good Neighbours
The ones you trust to take your milk in when you have an early flight, drive you to the station, to make a cuppa and hand you a box of tissues when needed. The ones who tolerate your messy life without any bad feeling and hold impromptu firepit sessions to watch the sun set while listening to music. Looking forward to many laughs, good food and no doubt the odd board game tonight !
When you put all of these people together, you get a life that is held, supported, fun, challenged, and shared. Different people bring different things. Acceptance. Loyalty. Intelligence. Humour. Strength. Each one adds a layer.
So yes, you rock my world, every one of you; each of you is deeply valued and appreciated in your own way, and you are thought of, not just on Valentine’s Day, but every time you make me smile, reach out a hand or a shared moment from our past comes to mind while I am cooking. All of you as the friends and constants in my life, and you, Pooh Bear, in your own space entirely. And I would not change a single part of that.
