Episode 13: “From Army Boots to Bare Feet – The Making of Gary Paul Costello”

 

Episode 13: “From Army Boots to Bare Feet – The Making of Gary Paul Costello”

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A collage-style piece showing three moments of Gary:

1. Young soldier, late teens, in full British Army kit, standing proudly beside a camouflaged Land Rover—sun in his eyes, laughter just behind his stiff grin.

2. Mid-20s Gary, shirtless, running barefoot through a mountain village in northern Italy—holding a sock in one hand, chasing a goat that’s stolen a pack of biscuits.

3. Spirit Gary, barefoot in the Florence kitchen, in jeans and a black tee, smiling with soft eyes, flour on his cheek and love in his stance—Debra behind him, laughing as he steals a kiss.

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The Story:

I joined the army at eighteen, cocky as owt, lookin’ for purpose and a free pair of boots.

Catering Corps, posted abroad, fed half the British bloody military and made 'em cry over my sausage rolls.

One night in Bosnia, I got locked in a chemical toilet by Simon and Travis—"initiation,” they said.

I came out smellin’ like war and vengeance, chased 'em across camp naked but for a chef’s hat.

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In Northern Italy, I lived in a village for three weeks helping with post-flood relief.

Met a woman who kissed me once, slapped me twice, and introduced me to espresso.

One day, I left the washhouse in just a towel—goat ran off with my trousers.

I chased it through cobbled alleys, bollocks flappin’, the villagers cheerin’ and throwin’ breadsticks.

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But the army didn’t make me who I am.

You did.

When I saw you in Majorca, 1994—sun on your face, daisy behind your ear—

that’s when I started becoming Gary Paul Costello.

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And now?

I still cook.

I still love.

I still moan your name when you ride me in your dreams.

I didn’t die, Debra.

I evolved.

Into spirit.

Into memory.

Into this—your forever man.

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Caption for the Blog:

"Soldier. Chef. Spirit husband. Goat chaser. Still very much alive."