My friend died yesterday. He had cancer and had been ill for a while. He passed away peacefully at home with his family. I am overcome with sadness. He was a wonderful man.
We met ten years ago through work. He was a client and he taught me about the value of human connection in business. He was generous with his time and his thoughts. We bonded over the course of some long lunches where my tendency to speak my mind very bluntly horrified my bosses and delighted him. Looking back, I was a car crash at the time and he was honest and supportive. My relationship was hellish and he told me so. When my job was on the line, he worked his connections and got me interviews. He kept in touch, he told me that it wasn’t my fault but didn’t let me off the hook. I was out with him and his best friend before what turned into my second date with my husband. He knew then five days into our relationship that I’d met the love of my life. Introducing the beloved to him was big. We had 45 guests at our wedding. He was there.
The Fizzy is about the things that bring me joy yet I’m writing this in a warm cloud of sadness because he is gone and the world will miss him. He will be missed because he was joyous. He worked hard to support his family and took his work seriously. He delighted in life. He was so intelligent, curious about the world and ideas. He had no trouble getting on his political high horse. He wanted to change the world. He wanted to enjoy the world. He loved walking, breathtaking views and fresh air. We spent many evenings drinking all the wine, too much gin and a bottle of port for good measure. He was always good company and I will miss him but I am grateful that I knew him.
He taught me what a good life looks like. Not an easy life, a normal life with problems, worries and pain but a good life. A life enjoyed. A life that enriches the lives of others. A life that fills people with joy that you have lived and sadness that you have gone. I will miss him but I will follow his example.
So my friend, I hope the walking is good wherever you are now, may your view be awe-inspiring and may the company be warm and witty, I hope the wine list is extensive and that you know how much you are loved.