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Well that’s quite a dramatic blog post title isn’t it.
Christ, what do you think I could be talking about?
Well it’s a post in 2 halves – so let’s start with the good news shall we?
There’ll be no blogging next week.
Yes, you guessed it, it’s because I’m going on yet another holiday.
Except this time it’s not for some work trip ‘holiday’ – oh no – this time it’s the real deal because China shuts up shop for a week so an estimated 300 million people can take a trip back to their hometowns to be with their family as part of the annual October holiday.
So that’s the good, so what’s the bad?
Well in a lot of ways, it’s not bad – in fact it’s wonderful and exciting and full of happiness and promise.
Today, after almost ten years, my dear friend, Fredrik Sarnblad, leaves Singapore – and BBH – to start a new life in America as one of the planning heads at Mullen.
I am incredibly happy for him.
Fredrik is a wonderful, talented, caring, gentle, wise man.
For that alone, he deserves nothing but the absolute best … but given this year has been particularly traumatic due to a number of personal tragedies, he deserves it even more.
I first met Freddie at Y&R in 2005.
We clicked immediately.
Maybe it’s because we looked somewhat similar [ie: bald & glasses] … maybe it’s because we shared similar backgrounds … maybe it’s because we both fucking hated a particular individual in the organisation … but we hit it off.
I was incredibly fortunate to be able to work with Freddie for a number of years – which uncoincidently – coincided with a period of unparalleled and unprecedented growth, both in terms of revenue, clients, new business and creative awards.
When he left, which he announced when I was on my honeymoon I hasten to add, I was utterly devastated but I knew it was the right thing for him to do and just hoped our friendship would continue.
I needn’t of worried … though I do think it could have a lot to do with the fact I was the only person who would happily join his regular Mandarin Oriental buffet massacres or that I didn’t mind being seen in his company despite him openly loving Toto, occasionally wearing his pants too high or sometimes deciding to dress up in an outfit that would make Elton John jealous. [which he has wisely removed all evidence of it ever happening]
In all seriousness, Freddie has been – and is – an amazing friend.
If I’m honest, he’s been more of a friend than I could ever of hoped for.
Time and time again, his compassion, companionship, consideration, advice, loyalty and humour have seen me through moments of crisis – from work related nightmares to the happy nervousness I felt when I was going to ask Jill to marry me and then, 6 months later, when I got hitched in front of him and a bunch of my family and friends in Singapore.
In short, we have been through all sorts of trials and tribulations together – and while some have been more challenging than others – I’ve always felt he had my back and that is testimony to the kind of man he is.
Ten years is a long time to live in any country – especially ever-transient Singapore – so if he’s anything like me, he’s going through a whole range of emotions, but as he’s soon going to be reunited with his beloved family [who left a few months before to sort out schools etc], I’m sure any sentimentality is overshadowed by the feeling of happiness and excitement that his family are embarking on a new chapter of their lives together … starting with their first, true [& huge] family home, including gorgeous Weimaraner puppy, Beckett.
I’ve had many long conversations with him about this over the years so I know how long the family have wanted it, which is why I’m so incredibly happy that it is now finally happening for them all.
That said, I will miss him.
I worry terribly that I’ll never see him again … that my meal with him last week will be the last time I ever see him.
I hope not, that would make me incredibly sad.
Singapore will never be the same for me now he’s not there.
Meeting him was, quite simply, one of the best things that has ever happened to me and given that – along with my marriage [which I’m not saying because the rest of this post makes me sound uber-gay] – all took place in the City State, it will forever be a place that holds a special place in my heart.
I am honoured – and amazed – to be able to call this great man my friend.
He is a special in every possible way.
Mullen are lucky to have him, America is lucky to have him, society is lucky to have him.
More importantly, I am lucky to have him.
Safe travels my dear friend, I’m already missing you.
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If someone wrote something like this about me, I’d get on a plane to take me as far away from you as possible. After I’d called the cops and said I had a stalker.
Good luck Fred. Not on the new life, but on avoiding Campbell for the rest of your life. Sounds like he’ll be trying to convince Uncle Dan to let him open the W+K Boston office any day now.
Comment by DH September 28, 2012 @ 6:25 amFinally Rob has something in common with his hero Freddie Mercury.
Comment by Billy Whizz September 28, 2012 @ 6:32 amAnd Tom Cruise and John Travolta.
Comment by Billy Whizz September 28, 2012 @ 6:33 amThank fuck you never liked me this much when I left.
You didn’t like me at all, because all I got was a proxy 3 line goodbye post. And to think I was disappointed at the time. After seeing this, I’ve never been so grateful for your tight ass compliments.
Comment by Billy Whizz September 28, 2012 @ 6:36 amGood news Jill, you can use this as evidence in your divorce petition.
Comment by Billy Whizz September 28, 2012 @ 6:36 amMullen eh? They’re doing some good shit. I’ll send you my portfolio Fred. We could work together. Fulfill another of your ambitions.
Comment by Billy Whizz September 28, 2012 @ 6:38 amone nightmare closes, another fucking one opens eh fred?
Comment by andy@cynic September 28, 2012 @ 7:42 amWell Freddie, if you weren’t sure, it appears Robert regards you as a true friend. Nice post Robert. Despite the temper and the mischief, you are one of the sweetest, kindest and most openly emotional people I’ve ever met.
Comment by George September 28, 2012 @ 6:50 amCongratulations Freddie. Good luck with everything. Mullen are a really interesting agency (and one of our agencies) so I hope we can enjoy a drink sometime.
Hang on, you’re having another holiday. You’re like those UK furniture stores who have permenant sales so you can’t tell the difference between special price and normal price. When do you work and how have you pulled it off?
Comment by DH September 28, 2012 @ 6:52 ammore like a stall at some dodgy fucking market that says theyre selling you a tv for half price then when you get home you find the bastards have sold you an empty box with some fucking bricks at the bottom.
another fucking holiday campbell? really? fuck me you only had one last bastard week. the fucking retired have less holidays than you. i know it means you cant fucking meddle with wiedens oh so fucking precious creative work, but this is fucking ridiculous.
jammy bastard. i guess i have to worry about seeing you next week. fuck me, can life get any worse?
Comment by andy@cynic September 28, 2012 @ 7:47 amI could bring your exes with me …
Comment by Rob September 28, 2012 @ 8:17 amI think you’re safe Andy. Judging by this post, I think Rob will be spending his holiday in Boston.
Comment by Pete September 28, 2012 @ 8:34 amWell done Freddie.
Comment by John September 28, 2012 @ 6:53 amRob. I hope you don’t get into trouble with the Chinese authorities for publishing your same sex love letter. Isn’t that sort of thing illegal over there?
That aside, this is a lovely post for a lovely man.
Congratulations Freddie. America welcomes you.
Comment by Bazza September 28, 2012 @ 7:07 amcampbell is illegal over there.
Comment by andy@cynic September 28, 2012 @ 7:48 amWas wondering what had happened to you.
Comment by John September 28, 2012 @ 7:07 amhes been busy taking photographs for apple fucking maps.
Comment by andy@cynic September 28, 2012 @ 7:49 amGold.
Comment by DH September 28, 2012 @ 7:52 amI hate to say it, but that is very, very funny.
Comment by Rob September 28, 2012 @ 8:15 amI have been advised to respond with the following statement. “Talk to the hand.”
Comment by Bazza September 28, 2012 @ 8:36 amjust getting you to respond is a fucking win.
Comment by andy@cynic September 28, 2012 @ 8:41 amfuck me campbell, this is gayer than a freddie mercury, elton john and george michael three way at gaytown, gaysville.
excuse my friend freddie, the fucker seems to have got out the wrong side of the fucking closet this morning.
Comment by andy@cynic September 28, 2012 @ 7:42 amforgot to say confuckingratulations freddie. though im not sure if its for the new life or getting away from campbell.
and good call on mullen. if youre going to live in irish town, theyre the fucking agency to be at even if the fuckers keep all their fucking achievements quieter than a bloke whose shagged a fat ugly bird.
safe travels mr ikea. the drinks are now officially on you.
Comment by andy@cynic September 28, 2012 @ 7:51 amI wouldn’t have used that analogy given you sent me that ad for fat blokes being able to shag “fat, ugly birds”.
http://tinyurl.com/8l7oy53
Comment by Rob September 28, 2012 @ 8:18 amthank fuck you got out the closet campbell, it was getting way too fucking tight for all 3 of us in here.
Comment by Tom Cruise & John Travolta's Closet September 28, 2012 @ 7:56 amI choose to ignore all the insults … besides, it’s hardly like you lot spare me from them every other day. Say what you like, I’m gutted he’s going while being ridiculous happy he’s going.
No one taught me life could be so bloody conflicted and complicated when I was growing up. Mind you, if they did, it would hardly make me look forward to the future would it.
Comment by Rob September 28, 2012 @ 8:15 amWhat a lovely post. The conflicting emotions of happiness and sadness that only occur when someone you care about leaves for somewhere new.
Congratulations to Freddie too, just don’t ask Bazza for directions.
Comment by Rob Mortimer September 28, 2012 @ 8:26 amVery nice post Rob. I am jealous how comfortable you are with being so openly expressive with your feelings.
Congratulations Freddie. Welcome to madland.
Comment by Pete September 28, 2012 @ 8:32 amdont be jealous. it would mean youre a queen loving birkenstock wearing closet gay nottingham bastard.
Comment by andy@cynic September 28, 2012 @ 8:41 amCongratulations Fredrik. It’s no less than you deserve.
Comment by Lee Hill September 28, 2012 @ 8:42 amSafe travels, happy life.
Congratulations Freddie.
Good men rock.
Jemma x
Comment by Jemma King September 28, 2012 @ 11:53 amWell played Freddie
Comment by northern September 28, 2012 @ 4:32 pmWhat a lovely post. Freddie sounds a lovely man and I wish congratulations and good luck to him and his family.
Comment by Katerina September 29, 2012 @ 7:19 amjust seen forest lost to your arch fucking rivals derby. thats what happens when you have more holidays than the queen.
Comment by andy@cynic October 1, 2012 @ 6:30 amGood luck Freddie.
Comment by Marcus October 1, 2012 @ 5:58 pmWow, I don’t know what to say. Thank you Rob, thank you for your friendship – it’s worth a lot to me. And thanks everyone for your congrats and best wishes. Cheers.
Comment by fredrik sarnblad October 2, 2012 @ 4:46 pmnice of you to not say this über gay post makes you feel fucking sick. for a man from viking stock, youve very fucking soft.
Comment by andy@cynic October 2, 2012 @ 9:01 pmBlog is quite good when its not updated.
Comment by DH October 4, 2012 @ 8:38 am