I’ve spent the last few days listening to and watching the joy that was David Bowie.  I always liked him but some of his work was a bit avant guard, a bit noisy, scary for me. But funnily enough, now he’s gone and I know so much more, I can fully see and appreciate him for the musical icon that he was. 

But how many more popular personalities of our times know how well their talent is respected and appreciated?  Did Billie Holiday, Amy Winehouse, Jeff Buckley, Sam Cooke, Heath Ledger – this list is endless –  know how loved and appreciated they were in life?  Or do we, like I do for Bowie, only recognise the extent of their talent now it’s no longer available to us?

And those who are gone, closer to home who live in my heart and still guide my conscious and unconscious choices, how much did I tell them, show them, I loved them when I still could?  The answer sadly, is not enough.

So for those of us unfortunate enough to have to deal with cancer or serious illness,are also given an incredible opportunity to see how much love and care we inspire in our lifetime.  And it is a gift, a blessing and a humbling experience that we experience this now, when we are still here, still living and breathing.

I would not wish my experience of the last few months on anyone.   No one should wait to a serious illness, cancer or death to know how special and truly loved they are.

So don’t hold back.  Be open with your appreciation.  Make the time to chat with  and listen to the supermarket checkout person, the postman, the bin-man, the garage mechanic, the trainee hairdresser who washes your hair, the neighbour, your doctor, florist, dry-cleaner –  in fact anyone you see who brightens your day or makes you feel normal and safe.

Tell those you care for how important they are for you and why. Take a few extra moments in the morning to cherish your loved ones. Share your feelings and thoughts for the day ahead, make sure you hug, touch and hold them tight, even for a brief moment.

Reach out to friends and family who you have not contacted for a while. Acknowledge them, say hello, thank you, strike up a conversation, write an email, make a Skype call.

Don’t wait until they’re gone.  Don’t wait until it’s too late.