Every story has a beginning, a middle and an end.
My military life has that…as it’s now over…a good while ago.
The beginning, the middle, and the end of my SAS career (mid70s-mid90s).
My commercial security life on the circuit had that too, now it’s also over (17 years worth), and has been for a while also.
Sadly, for 12 men who I consider my friends, not only is their professional life over, but in 2019…so is their life.
I always say, only the good die early, as all the arseholes I know are still out there kicking.
It’s been tough to take. Those of you who are kind enough to follow my blog posts will know that earlier I reached 65. That too was tough to take, why me…and not them?
Anyway, I got through that in my own “strange way” by going on a 10 mile tab, and taking those mates with me (in my mind). It was an awesome tab…here’s to them!
These days I reminisce…more and more. I go through the tight scrapes, the bad days…but thankfully I mainly concentrate on the good days too. Fighting the enemy one minute to an inch of our lives, and talking with them the next…isn’t war just crazy.
I’ve always thought that the best shot I ever took in conflict…was with a camera!
One of Yasser Arafat’s bodyguards, standing in daylight and savoring the moment for the first time after the 36 day siege of Arafat’s compound in Ramallah, 2002. Given the memory of the occasion, and the opportunity of barely a couple of seconds, this is one of my favourite photos from those that I’ve taken in conflict.
Life, no matter the age flies by. None of us know when that story ending appears…although some get to know when it’s getting close.
So, with that…my life has been awesome, in between the few bad bouts…just like everyone else…I’m no different.
With mates piling in (too many this year), and some mates struggling with their mental state, I say look forward and concentrate on the middle of your story, don’t dwell on the end, and make 2020 the best year of your life so far.
A new year and a new decade…I’m half way through my seventh decade of life at 65, I intend to make 2020 my fittest and happiest, I want to continue to enjoy my middle story, as I have done for some time…and I hope you do too.
All the very best everyone for a safe and healthy 2020, with less violence in the world and way more love.
Cheers. x
Bob Shepherd 
Merry Christmas Christmas Bob 🎄
Very honest and thoughtful. You to Bob.
Love that Yasser Arafat’s bodyguard shot! Awesome Bob. A very honest post. You too Bob.
Love reading about your many experiences and I thank you for continually sharing these stories
I hope 2020 is your happiest and healthiest year, good luck Bob 👍
Hi Bob, having recently been introduced to this site, previously only had the joy of reading your books, I felt compelled (reading that in my heid, I sound like a Rupert) to leave a comment. Please continue to put down whatever is rattling about in your heid, it really is enjoyable, witty and insightful. Lang may your lum reek, aw the very best to you and yours for 2020 Slainte Mhath.
Thanks Barry, great to hear…all the very best for 2020 too mate.