Seize the day – in memory of Stephen

JUST HEARD that Stephen – my friend and neighbour for almost 12 years – has died suddenly.

I was too busy to visit him in hospital the last time he was there – in fact I didn’t even know he’d gone in again this month.

He made this great montage of photos for Warren and I a couple of years ago – That’s him with the beard next to me in the pink t-shirt and sunglasses on the second row.

For my birthday seven years ago, Stephen sent me this message:

‘Count life by smiles, not tears. Count age by friends, not years.’

I am pleased to have counted Stephen as my friend for some of his too-short life, glad to have shared a few smiles, and sorry that we lost touch through my busyness.

Appreciate people while you can – you never know when it might be your last chance.