In previous posts, I’ve outlined how I didn’t have any older male role models to look up to and guide me through life’s challenges, but I certainly had the best of friends. Mark and Ray, along with my brother Ken, are people who have hugely influenced my life for the better. They have been a solid rock of companionship, fun, and camaraderie for fifty-seven years – from my first day at school. Every major life event, every crisis, every trauma – those men were there with me. I have been truly blessed with good friends. They have never let me down and I am so grateful for that. Sadly, Ray passed away from cancer aged 50. He is a huge loss and leaves a massive gap that cannot be filled. But I remember the good times we shared and hope one day to be reunited with him again.