FRIENDS AND 'FAMILY'
Nancy Hanks:
The reference on the Home page to ‘Cousin Abe’ is deliberately teasing. On my father’s side, I actually am related to Abraham Lincoln – 16th President of the United States. The lineage list below shows the relationship as first cousin, four times removed. One of my living cousins advises that a source in a complex matrix of handwritten family charts, was incorrect and we are actually second cousins, not first. And we’re five times removed. To be honest, I don’t have the time to investigate and will remain contented as being one or even two steps further removed. Besides my dear cousin Dinah is so much smarter than me.
The connection comes from Lincoln’s mother Nancy Hanks. Interestingly, the only family member present at Lincoln’s funeral was actually a Hanks.
The picture here was taken by me in Washington, which looked like I cleverly created an effect that enabled me to call this ‘The Spirt Of Cousin Abe’. In reality, the effect was purely an accident and more the result of my poor photography. Perhaps, though, there were other forces at work?
Apart from the many obvious reasons for being proud of this particular cousin, I have been intrigued to discover some of his quotes. They are all ones I have come to easily admire.
‘It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.’
‘We should be too big to take offence and too noble to give it.’
‘I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.’
‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.’
‘He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.’
‘I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.’
‘You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.’
Moving across to my mother’s side, and to a distant continent, this rather distinguished gentleman was my Great Great Grandfather, Sir Francis Forbes.
Sir Francis was the first Chief Justice of the New South Wales Supreme Court. As the colony’s only judge, he established legal precedents which remain in force until this day.
On a family visit to Australia, where our eldest son was married and our two eldest grandsons were born, we were the guests of the town council in a place still proud of their association with this famous jurist. I am currently searching for the video footage and document copies that we collected then. We also received an invitation from the Forbes Chambers in Sydney. Alas, we were by then on a plane bound for Blighty.
As for friends, I am blessed that there have been and still are many. Whilst some are no longer around, I’m glad to say that many very much are.
Gulnaz Brennan, my friend and very current business colleague, Founder of She Inspires Awards and associated organisations like Community, Film, Art & Media; She Inspires Foundation (which we started together), She Leads Academy, and author of some compelling important books. An amazing leader and the inspiration behind so many great projects. Not a day goes by when Gulnaz doesn’t have another idea.
Dr Rebecca Torrance Jenkins, my neuro science friend and co-author with a knack of making everything brain-related sound fascinating. She has a big heart, a big family and is a complete joy to work with.
Elaine Griffiths OBE and Paul Griffiths, the inspiration behind the renaissance of the magnificent Monastery in Manchester. Plus Janet Wallwork, David Oliver and Piers Sturridge – my fellow trustees. Being in the company of such dedicated good and kind people remains a privilege.
Andrew Patrick, my business partner for most of two decades. Former CEO of the British Film Council, the inaugural CEO of the North West Screen Agency and teller of the worst jokes in the history of satire. My wife Tina and I have been vegetarians since our daughter was born in 1982, and the only meat I’ve eaten since was a chicken sandwich at Andrew’s house. Thanks partner.
Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE, perhaps the bravest man I have ever met with a capacity for forgiveness beyond understanding. A great friend with a unique gift for incredible laughter.
Clive Burke, my late friend and business partner when we were blessed to work with EMI Records for so many successful years. I remember well watching his brother James reporting, in tears, when Apollo 13 finally appeared in the sky on its return to earth. Clive was also ‘out of this world’ with his charismatic skills that made our partnership both amazing fun and incredibly fruitful.
Life in the digital world guarantees the occasional crisis and I’ve had my fair share. I’ve survived only thanks to Shervin Dariani of IT People. When you need a digital friend, this is the best link you’ll ever get. Click on the logo below.
Most important of all is family. Can’t believe how lucky I’ve been. Blessed with a wonderful wife, three amazing children, their other halves, plus six of the most adorable grandchildren.
John Green – ‘The Fault In Our Stars’
Michael J, Fox
