This week has been bloody tough. Lost a damn good friend in Mr Love.
I can’t believe it.
I don’t want to believe it.
Somehow I'm going to have to.
Every lycra-clad cyclist, every tanned surfer and every young, bald man seems to resemble him, setting off a world of emotions. This waterfall doesn't just trickle, it gushes and the devastation smacks hard. How has this lover of life, this free-spirit been taken from us? Too young. Too soon.
A couple of weeks ago I bumped into my good mate Myron chilling by Bronte pool. He was buzzing, brimming with excitement, about his upcoming overseas trip. He spoke of the epic adventures that awaited in only a couple of days. No work for months, just play! Off abroad doing what Myron loved most; in search of the next adventure, exploring nature’s beauty and the cultures of foreign lands and some cycling in for good measure. Initially setting off by himself, then to meet up with Annabelle to continue their escapade together. For most this would be the trip of a lifetime, but for Myron this was how he lived. His life, like his travels, were always full with never a dull moment.
In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
-Abraham Lincoln
This would be the last time I would see him.
Rest easy mate.
Over the past five or so years, through teaching at Bronte PS, I have had the privilege of getting to know, love and respect Myron. An amazing human, an individual who was so easy to gravitate towards and someone who I will miss tremendously. I’d like to share some thoughts on what he meant to me and those around him.
At school Mr Love was an energetic and inspiring teacher. Our Bronte kids I’m sure would also say the coolest. We all loved him! He had a kindness superpower which would shift and destroy any negativity that would come his way. From young kindy classes to giant year 6s, it didn’t matter, he would make everyday a great day. Myron had a way to get kids involved and excited about their learning. A roar of elation would often be heard when the kids found out Mr Love was their teacher for the day. To be fair, I would be cheering too! His passion for helping others in his typical Myron, surfer, ‘not a worry in the world’ manner allowed all the kids to relax, feel welcome and grow in confidence. As teachers we all know that learning only begins with feeling safe and Mr Love had this incredible ability to make each student, teacher and parent feel like they were number one. He was always giving, a selfless person who found happiness in those around him.
We loved hearing his wild weekend stories, the marathon bike rides, tales of surfing South Coast breaks, the wacky diets and homemade remedies. The antics of Myron had the staff room regularly in stitches. For those who didn’t know him it wouldn’t take you long to fall under the Mr Love spell. He truly was one of a kind.
A couple of years back Mr Love had a genius idea to raise money for a charity by auctioning off his hair. What could possibly go wrong in a school where kids go all out on crazy hair days already? Those who raised the most would decide… a dirty mullet (before they were cool again), a mohawk, dying it a bright coloured? He openly pushed the most ridiculous style, a multi-coloured Friar Tuck inspired do. Stoked with the result, thanks to the hairdressing skills of yours truly, and the appreciation given by the kids, he paraded that hideous haircut off like a rockstar for days. That was Myron, a joy to be around.
With only a few males on our teaching staff Myron and I forged a close friendship. We’d regularly search out one another for debriefs, to talk trash, to fill each other in with silly stories and commentary from the day. The laughter that entailed was the best and I’m going to miss these catch ups. He could make worries from the day float away, or at least seem smaller than I made them out to be. Late in 2020 we went to school camp. We formed the bash brothers, kids from our classes had no chance remaining standing on their SUPS. We toppled so many crafts as the kids tried to nail us back. I can still hear the chuckles from the kids now. During night activities we’d be involved playing bullrush, pacman and the like. Without hesitation Myron was first in and the kids loved it as they always do.. He was a wonderful role model to all and made all situations enjoyable.
To Annabelle, Susanne, Jackson, Myron’s family and to all of his friends, my sincerest condolences for your loss. Myron will be missed forever and always. The beautiful moments he shared with us will always speak of the great person that he was.
Mr Love. Rest in peace legend. Swing past my classroom anytime.
Mr Smith
#saltydogs
#oneofakind
As is his Aunty it is wonderful to read about Myron’s zest for life. We all knew he was a dynamo, however to read your story is so heartwarming, to know he made such an impact with others in his far too short a life.
Thanks for sharing your memories it helps to ease our grief. He was a fantastic person and will be missed terribly by the staff and whole Bronte School community.
A beautiful piece of writing brother, to remember a beautiful person! Thank you 🙌🏽🥺
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Michelle Bishop
January 26, 2023
Beautifully said Adam. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Myron and even sharing a class with him. He was as everyone says, “The most gorgeous human.” I have cried heart-wrenching tears over his loss, as have so many. One of my favourite moments with him was looking after Kindergarten children in a room together. After a couple of activities we put on ‘Cosmic Yoga’ for a stretch break and I have never ever had so much fun doing yoga in my life. Myron loved it, owned it and led the way. I couldn’t participate as I was in stitches of laughter. “Michelle it’s just the best isn’t it?” I can hear him saying with his infectious smile. Myron you were one of a kind and will be so, so missed. Travel far, soar high and come and visit us in spirit here and there x