Hi Darcy, you have a great way with words.
I also had a similar experience at 16- mine on bloody bonfire night, which took some time to become a ‘good night out’ again, but I’ve managed.
Your Life 2.0 comment is spot on, as is your gentle advice for others to make the most of what they’ve got.
I still get the lump in the throat 26 years and a bit on, but only every once in a while. Wedding 2 years ago was a tough one, as I made a point of talking about him.
Anyway, he was also a v popular guy and that made me do the growing up too quick thing. Education fell to pieces and I went through a fairly rough patch. Mates, exercise, talking and a bit of beer all made it easier to bear.

After a spell in the Army, mainly blowing thing up as a bomb disposal officer, i ended up running professional firework displays as a hobby. never really made the connection, but I’m sure there’s something cathartic about that.

As with all these things, whether it’s the loss of a partner, parent or friend (or even getting your bike nicked) time is a healer and I hope you’re doing well now,

all the best, Holmesey.

Life is short, so make it broad.