We lost two very young members during the 90’s. Both of them died of a horrible disease, with just a year between them. I stood there in front of the group totally distraught and confused. So young; how could that have happened? I lacked understanding, was angry but also scared. It beats you.
A day after the funeral I got my money off the bank and bought a new car. I decided to change my life drastically. I wanted to have fun, enjoy and not think about the far future. Often when I have a bad day, when the weather is bad or when there are disappointments when Beatrix’ has a low score, I remember those two boys and think, “Oh well, it’s just a game. There are far worse things in life.”
The way Beatrix’ handles these moment is very special. We experienced this quite recently when our cook passed and a few years earlier with the death of our facility manager. At those moments the corps is so close that it’s almost scary. But it gives such an amazing feeling that it is beautiful at the same time. Our two young members adored a piece called “Fire of Eternal Glory” that was played by Beatrix’. At one of the funerals the piece had to be played, but there was only one recording on cassette tape that was horribly out of tune. I was ashamed of the poor quality but it gave a huge impact and it was the proof that Beatrix’ was important and special for these people. Playing at the cremation of our cook was just as intense as that, and just as beautiful.
Without realising it these moments still influence my life and I often remind myself of the strength, will and drive that Alex and Willem had. And the grumpy but lovely man Nico, who was grumpy at times but brought some much to the club and his members. “Old DM’er” is what he said, “I’ll take care of it.” And of course there was Co with his straight humour, his great cooking skills and his heart of gold.
Maybe this turned out to be a sad article, but it also describes a part of Beatrix’ and it was not intended to be sad. I still miss them but also realise my life has positively changed because of them, and I want to thank them for that.
Henk
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