David Thomas

As daughter of David’s full time carers I had the pleasure of getting to know David well, to witness his sudden bursts of eager excitement and amusement about a comment someone may have made years ago, or a dramatic reenactment of a bond film he’s watched that day. David’s wonderful vocabulary and excellent delivery of words often made me smile. One day his telly stopped working as Ann unplugged it by accident, once we’d found the source of the problem Dave praised me as being “Very Knoble and Very Wise!” with his conductor like finger bouncing along with his words. He then went on to say to Ann “I want you to know that I hold no animosity towards you regarding this blunder.” I loved the way he worded things. 

When he was particularly excited about something he’s rub his hands together above his head like he was showering himself with glee. Several times this was because of a memory of someone having a rude outburst at a day centre and shocking everyone with a reference to the anatomy. I asked fran about it and found out that this must have happened over 20 years ago.. A lesson in cherishing and savouring the amusing moments from life. 

Although David was a man of routine, and liked things to be a certain way he impressed me a lot with his flexibility when it was needed. 

Last time David saw my house, it was february and my Christmas wreath was still on the door. Fran told me that upon pulling up he’d ask if this was something to do with my mental health so as they pulled away I poked my head through the wreath and made strange noises.. I could see him looking highly amused at the scandal through the windscreen. 

I’m so glad to have cared for Dave and to have spent the time with him that I did, and to witness the incredible love and devotion of his family. 

As i finish typing this, I’m putting Banner Man by Blue Mink on youtube for the first time since the (approximately) 247th time I did it for him, closing my eyes and thinking about all the moments that took place over wheatabix, cheddar, kitkats and orange juice. I’ll never hear Pick of the Pops or sounds of the 60s be mentioned on Radio 2 without thinking of him. 

Thank you for being such a character David xxx