Russell,
 
17 years my neighbour and my friend.
We have laughed together; we have cried together.
 
At the lowest point of my life, you put a note through my door, basically saying ‘I’m here’. I leaned on you for some years, and you gave me strength, you and Janine were there for me, without judgement, just with unconditional support. 
We saw each other at our best and at our worst
When my Dad died you were in my kitchen making everyone tea,
When Joel died, we cried together (often)
I saw you everyday, we watered the flowers in the evening and passed the time of day, despite the traumas we had shared, life just went on. 
 
My front garden and baskets were for you, if you said you liked them, then I was winning in life. You would tell me what to plant and what not to plant, and said you had to look at them from your house, you told me when I needed to weed the path and if I didn’t you took a flame thrower to it (where did you get that?!)
 
You made me laugh, everything was a colourful elaborate story, you were larger than life, your stories were epic, I loved them and we laughed and laughed.  Your laugh was infectious it came loudly from your belly.
 
Everything you did was for Janine and your girls, you used to tell me they were your world. You had a huge heart and you will forever hold a special place in mine, my life is better for having had you as a friend.
 
I will miss you so much.
Sharon