to costa
happy birthday my friend.
I loved your spirit from the day we met.
And I remember it clearly because I got my head caught in a tram door.
How things like this can be the start of a lifelong of friendship.
Silliness, the bizarre and especially the eccentric.
Energetic, loyal, fun and full of zest. This is you, my mate, Costa.
You were crazy, made me laugh, ambitious and free. Studious though, on the weekends we were free. Filming skits and having laughs.
Your family were joyous, traditional and caring. I could see why you were such a good lad.
I remember always getting grilled but now I know it was all for fun and hazing. I can shoot back now, knowing they love me too.
I remember the day your brother came off his bike. I felt a sharp pain in my chest and wanted to help.
I cried for your family and just wanted him to be fine. Something so bad shouldn’t happen to the nicest people on earth.
Each time I see him, I make a joke and ask about his German Shepherd I feel grateful for his strong spirit and the strong family around him.
It must be in your family, inherited from your grandparents, down to your mum and dad to the rest of your family.
You are one strong unit.
When I heard the news of your dad, taking on the giants of Silicon Valley, I knew it was going to be a long trot but knew that fighting spirit would come out on top.
The news of triumph came when I was in hospital, I saw the text and felt the strongest I had ever felt.
It nearly made me feel like I was cancer-free.
I yelled out a yahoo and had a happy tear followed by a pumped fist, excited and ecstatic.
I was so happy for you, your dad, your family and your legacy.
Despite all this, you put me first.
Delivering me your family's greek easter gyros feast while I was recovering from chemo.
And you were there on that day at the start of the year, my birthday, the day I got my prognosis.
Thinking, how did I deserve the most golden people in the world?
You are a strong, loyal and great friend. I can count on you for your positivity and energy to the very end.
It will take you far and wide, that big strong heart of yours.
Going home I am so content that you have found your partner.
It warms my heart you have each other.
I love you mate.
