Use your time well. Be a good egg.

I’m brand new to Medium and didn’t think this would be the topic of my first post. But really, that’s the point of the post.

Last night I found out on Facebook that a good work friend of my wife’s had just passed away. Not someone we see all the time. But someone who you knew, liked and would really enjoy catching up with for a beer. (A pint of Guinness was her drink of choice).

My wife initially thought the post might be a mistake. This friend was in her early 40’s with no indication of ill health.

She suffered a brain aneurysm a couple of days ago and never regained consciousness.

A terrific girl. Her FB feed is exploding with tributes to her gregarious, fun-loving, friend-loving nature. I did not know her well, but I do remember vividly a long, somewhat lubricated chat we had about an issue that was deeply personal and emotive for both of us. I remember her with warmth. Her passing leaves me cold.

So, what to do? Write a post, share my feelings in the hope of defraying them among the denizens of the interwebs.

And, in that post, plead with you dear reader. Hug your friends. Love your family even when that feels like a challenge. Don’t just tell people ‘we must catch up for a beer’. Instead say ‘what are you doing tomorrow night? Let’s grab that drink’. Don’t wait. Do it now.