In the string of goodbyes that have happened of late ... here we come to the last.
Ted Smith ...
Ted we've covered so much ground I hardly know where to start ... hmm .. how about here ... with a peek at the little Ted that first came along to the farm ...
With Magnus who you adored (and he adored you too Ted)
If there was to be one word only that I could choose to describe you Ted ... it would have to be passionate. From when we first met up until now, you have not ceased to share your passion with us. Passionate love for your friends, passionate curiosity about life. Passionate determination when you set your mind to something, passionate inquiry when you want to understand something ... passionate love of football (Go the Hawks!)
You are switched on Ted and passionate about life. It has been so satisfying to be on the other end of. We know when you are happy and we know when you aren't ... and you can show enormous patience and will, when we are trying to cross the gap between the two.
It's like you've had journeys within a journey. There was your first year with Jyra and Dakota and Magnus and Ari ... there was just so much love between you all that friday mornings started to be a little mill around in a pool of love together ... often for ages, we'd all just feel the love and be in it together.
Magnus was your idol and he was such a great person for you to look up to and be inspired by. He always gave his best and had a heart as big as yours. High voltage met high voltage when it came to heart power between you both.
We weathered the changes when lots of faces left and new ones came ... and in time, guess what Ted ? You and I were in love again with a whole new gang and a whole new way and it too has been really good.
Ari, has been your loyal and loving friend and sometimes, Ari's sweetness comes out most when you are happy.
We've seen you master the Peppercorn tree and then master the big hill near the Oak Tree... You've been muddy from head to toe and have had the stamina to walk for hours. There isn't any type of weather that you haven't been thoroughly immersed in and we've idled some hours by the fire.
In the time it's taken for our latest little gang to bond, you've found yourself in the best of company with Frieda, Ari, Yoshi and Olivia. Strong personalities, strong energy and lots of sensitivity and love in the mix too. For you it's been great and vice versa ... and I've often had a 'Thank god it friday moment at the end of my week ... ' ... not thank god it's nearly over, but divine thanks for the blessing of the company I keep on that day. There's been a lot of love shared and a lot of fun had.
You are so loved Ted and almost like an institution at the farm after such a long time ... like Fridays and Ted and the farm have all belonged together no matter what.
You don't shy away from anything Ted ... even a good dance!
You and the brothers getting a little creative with a hat dance ...
Patience
Ari watching over you constructing ..
Cubby Fun with Frieda ...
Ted you have such a great support team at home ... Andy, Luke, Isabel and Kitty ... and all the family beyond that, who I've heard about and got to know over the years.
You've given us all so much love, helped us all to grow and learn, laughed with us and at us and haven't minded when we've all had a good laugh at you. We love you very much Ted and will miss your enthusiasm, intelligence and yes ... have to say it one more time ... your passion.
Good bye Ted ... safe travels and one thing is for sure ... it won't be a dull journey for you !
