Yesterday morning whilst reading Facebook, I learned that someone I’ve known for 12 years had died suddenly of a heart attack and during the last 24 hours, I have followed the many comments, the shock and the sadness about his sudden departure.

People come into our lives for longer or shorter periods of time. Some of these people make a real mark on how we think and how we see the world; whilst others pass fleetingly, just brushing against the fabric of our life.

I have so many people to be thankful for in my life. So many people who have ‘moulded’ me into the person I am today. So many people, without whom my life would be a very different, emptier and less colourful place.

Robert asked me on more than one occasion why I’d been to San Francisco on business and had not visited him and Adela-May in LA. I didn’t go because I didn’t have time. But, the fact is; I didn’t make the time. And, now that Robert’s no longer with us, I’ll never be given that opportunity ever, again.

A long life is not guaranteed and it can be over in the blink of an eye. Posthumous words, celebrating someone’s life, however beautifully written, remain posthumous. Let’s try to avoid writing sonnets about someone’s life after their death. Instead make time and give those wonderful people in your life the credit that’s due to them before they leave our lovely planet: give them a call, take them for a coffee, write a note, a Facebook post, tweet, have a skype date, take out an ad……the list goes on and on. Just let them know, how they’ve impacted you and your life. Be mindful.

Robert Pino, I will miss your innovative way of thinking, your inspirational workshops and discussions, your infectious smile and wicked sense of humour. Robert, RIP. Adela-May, I wish you strength!