Farewell to a truly reconciled man

This week I was at the funeral of an extraordinary man - extraordinary because he's one of the few people in life who was truly reconciled to who he was and what his life was. And that is something so few of us allow ourselves to be.

That man was Jim Hotchkin, my warm and wonderful father-in-law, who died from pancreatic cancer a few weeks ago. He was a physically fit and healthy man who had a phenonemonal mind and an appetite for knowledge that was relentless. Jim was a clever and original thinker who also possessed a great mixture of engaging charm and humility. The cancer too that away very swiftly.

When he was given the terminal diganosis last Autumn, he fought it bravely until the end on Valentine's Day.

No matter what challenges he faced in life, he took them in his stride. Jim was truly contented and that's just one of the reasons why he had a great effect on me and many others who he met and inspired.

The last conscious act he was able to make before the diamorphine kicked-in, four days before he died, was to see my book on confidence Don't Shoot - I'm Not Well! Confidence for when you really need it which had just come off the press. Even though he was fading due to severe weakness, he smiled at me with his heartfelt approval and pride. I will never forget that look and feeling as long as I live.

What I didn't have the time to tell him was that he is actually featured in the book, although not by name, as a wonderful example of true confidence and reconciliation. I and many others will miss him.

R.I.P.  Jim Hotchkin.