saying goodbye to Andy Whitfield
the, or any story, of and around Spartacus is epic, albeit not actually Biblical, or historically factual.
and, if you’ve managed to catch: Spartacus – Blood and Sand on STARZ, you know it’s a visual, if not visceral, treat. there was also Spartacus – Gods of the Arena, and soon Spartacus – Vengeance, come January 2012, in the series. but, most shows are memorable, less so for the story, and more so for the charisma of an actor, or ensemble cast.
that was the case for Australian Andy Whitfield.
tragically, Whitfield left us with cancer to blame earlier this month.
oddly, I never met Whitfield. but, I won’t soon forget him. he was fun on Spartacus. but, evidently he was a much larger-than-life hero in the real flesh, and hopefully in the hearts, memories, and mirrors of his beautiful children. but, he has a rare opportunity to leave something behind that transcends grief. read the short story below with gratitude in your heart for an actor of no mean skill and a brilliant example to any parent:Tragic actor Andy Whitfield’s widow has revealed how her brave husband broke the news he was dying to the couple’s two kids last week.
The Spartacus: Blood and Sand star lost his battle with cancer on 11 September, but had time to say goodbye to his children Jesse Red, six, and Indigo Sky, four.
His widow Vashti tells Australia’s The Telegraph, “(He said)”:
“I am going to go to sleep now as my body won’t work anymore. I am like a butterfly with broken wings… I will always be with you and will always be watching over you. I love you.”
there is that old Muslim maxim that allows: “there is the punishment in the promise, and the promise in the punishment.” to wit…
evidently Whitfields children look so much like him that his wife says:
“They can look in the mirror every day and see their dad.”
thank God my own daughters don’t look like me. but, I hope I can reflect the virtues enough of Whitfield to mirror such sentiment and earn a good memory in their hearts.
peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.
brian patrick cork
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