It’s a beautiful autumn day and I have taken a few moments to reflect upon the memories of some of my old friends whose lives were lost either by their own hand or that of others in reckless motoring accidents.

As the shimmering light dances before me through the boughs of my woodland idyll I cast my mind back to the days of their vibrancy.

It is difficult to comprehend that their lives were snuffed out as a glowing candle is extinguished in the simplicity of the act.

The good times and the laughter now echo in the darkness of the past and I am cast into the reality of closure in its awesome finality.

The reward of age comes from the knowledge that listening to the words of wisdom from my elders made me realise what a precious gift life is and yet its occupancy can be denied by taking it for granted.