Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Dad, Death, Empathy, Insight, Love, Mum, Mum & Dad
I recently read a letter in the Guardian from someone wishing to thank the DR who helped them come to terms that their precious family member was going to die.
Before I go on, it would be worth reading it here.
I must admit it made a big impact on me, mainly because I went through it myself.
My father had been ill for a number of years – and on 2 previous occasions, 3 months apart – I had rushed back from Australia because I’d been told he was expected to only have 24 hours to live.
However, as I’ve written many times before, I still thought we would see a miracle and I thought that right up until the last few days of his life.
Dad had become ill again over Christmas and I had flown back from Sydney.
He was in a bad state … apart from complications from his stroke, he had blood poisoning.
He was ill. Worse than I had ever seen him.
And I remember this next moment with terrifying clarity.
Mum and I were by Dad’s side when a Doctor came to see him in the early afternoon.
Afterwards, he looked at Mum and me and gently told us that there was not much he could do but make him comfortable.
He asked if that is what we wanted.
I said yes, tears welling in my eyes.
He then asked if I – and it was specifically me – understood what that meant.
For the first time in years, I could no longer deny the inevitable, my Father was going to die and he was going to die soon.
I didn’t want that. I wanted him to be with me forever. But this was the moment of truth … where what I wanted was not nearly as important as what he needed and the best way I could show how much I loved him was to allow him to go, with dignity and peace.
As I nodded to the doctor, the tears started pouring down my cheeks because after years of my wonderful mum trying to gently coax me into realising the severity of his situation, I finally realised it.
I think we had a couple more days together until that Saturday, on January 16th 1999, when we were called into the hospital early in the morning.
I am incredibly grateful we were with him … that he knew we were by his side as he slowly walked the bridge between life and death … but as much as that day represents unbelievable sadness to me, I will always be grateful to that Doctor.
He was empathetic without being condescending.
He was factual without being cold.
He was present, without being overbearing.
His actions not only ensured we could give my Dad the peace he needed … the peace he deserved … he gave my Mum and me a chance to say the final words we wanted to say. The words that still bring tears to my eyes 17 years later.
I wish I could remember the name of that Doctor.
I remember he was quite young … but if I was to see him again, I’d say thank you.
Because while he wanted to ensure we knew the reality of the situation, he did it with respect and grace and while I may have once thought those truths were the last things you’d want to hear, you realise they are the best demonstration of someone who appreciates humanity.
Thank you Doctor.
I’m going to go straight into the post like I’ve not just been away on a family and work trip that was bloody wonderful. Ahem.
So last week I talked about the advertising for Gucci and their quest to make the 80’s TV gameshow host look, the next big thing.
Well I’ve seen another part of their campaign and it’s getting weirder.
Yes, it’s the same gameshow host model – with the same hair and glasses – but now they’re showing her like she’s on her way home after a busy week of filming. Or something.
But this time it’s even worse.
No seriously, because she’s LOOKING IDENTICAL TO HER BLOODY SUITCASE!
What’s worse, this suitcase/dress combo [which is a phrase I never thought I would ever write in my life] looks like awfully like a Sheriff’s outfit from a 1970’s Spaghetti Western.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
I appreciate the fashion industry is in a predicament.
To remain relevant it has to appear it is constantly progressing and the only way to do that – after things like fabric innovation – is to create even greater division between what has gone on before … but this is ridiculous.
Yes … yes … I know I am about as fashionable as a pair of Crocs [I was going to say Birkenstocks, but even they were the darling of the fashion industry not that long ago] but seriously, what the fuck is going on?
Apart from trying to make an era renowned for its naffness, look fashionable … why the hell would anyone want to look like their suitcase?
Even secret agents wouldn’t want to look like their suitcase.
Even suitcases wouldn’t want to look like a suitcase.
If I see someone walking down the street dressed like this – which in Shanghai, is a distinct possibility – I commit to you right now, that I will stare, point and then shout, “your dress makes you look like a boxy suitcase”.
And yes, I know that is not the best insult, so I’m open to suggestions.
But for god’s sake Gucci sort yourself out. You might not realise it right now but you’re about 2 degrees from resembling a fancy dress shop. A fancy dress shop in Luton.
Filed under: Comment
Please press here to go back in time.
To Monday.
I know, what a horrific thought eh.
Trust me, it only gets even worse for you if actually click on the link.
Happy weekend.
Filed under: Comment, Crap Campaigns In History, Crap Marketing Ideas From History!, Fashion, Marketing Fail
So I was recently walking through some upmarket mall when I passed the Gucci shop.
I have literally never been inside one of these establishments.
I have literally never owned anything by the brand.
And, after seeing the poster outside the store, I am pretty sure that situation will continue.
Seriously, what the hell is that?
Is the daytime television quiz host look now ‘a thing’?
Is the sort of hairstyle that would get you beaten up in my day now cool?
I guess it might be given big, black, square-shaped spectacle frames have evolved from ‘glasses for the poor’ to ‘glasses for the cool’.
Of course, maybe the geek at the back of the photo is not the person I should be focusing on … but the attractive and stylish lady at the front, but if that’s the case, then Gucci need a lesson in art direction because I challenge any person to see this poster and not focus their attention on the z-grade geek at the back.
Yeah … yeah … I appreciate me commenting on fashion is like David Cameron talking about the poor and that the last thing Gucci would ever want is for me to like something they do, but this is ridiculous isn’t it. It’s not just me, is it?
Filed under: Brand Suicide, Crap Campaigns In History, Crap Marketing Ideas From History!
Look at this ad for Dior.
WHAT THE FUCK WERE THEY THINKING!
Yes … I get held in a certain way a lipstick can look like a cigarette.
Yes … I get cigarette’s are addictive so it ties in with the name of the product.
But I’ll say it again, WHAT THE FUCK WERE THEY THINKING?
Maybe long ago smoking was regarded as glamourous. But now, it is pretty much universally seen as being ugly and certainly not good for your health or your looks.
And let’s be honest, being associated with a product that can kill you is hardly the smartest move for any brand.
Which all means that the person who approved this should be fired and the people who pulled it together should be shot.
Seriously, when marketing is this fucking stupid, is it any surprise business leaders thinks our discipline is a crock of shit?