That Rev Chap, a year on

A year ago today, one of the few people I know online who I could call a proper actual friend, died suddenly.

I won’t go into it all, as I’ve written everything before, but I wanted to mark it in some way.

I’m still sad he’s gone. Something about the online fora I frequent, and Twitter, has changed a little. They’re not the same. Sure, he was just one of many in those places, but he’s one who made an impact in them.

Two things that affected me personally over the last year as a direct result of Owen’s death.

1) iPhone games

Owen was a big fan of iPhone gaming. To the point where most of his gaming was iPhone based. He would enthuse about great new games, many of which I bought on his recommendation, and he was mostly spot-on with them too. Aside from Words With Friends, Hanging With Friends, and Carcassonne (two of which I had before his death), I’ve played almost no iPhone games at all in the last 12 months.

More seriously, though:

2) Chest pains

A few months ago, I started getting severe chest pains. Now, I’ve been having pains for the last 6-7 years. Constantly. Sometimes flaring up, but always at least slightly uncomfortable. I’ve had tests in the past that all came out clear and stuff, so it was put down to irritation. When they got bad this time however, I got it checked out with a doctor, had some tests, and then took myself down to A&E and told them to have a damn good look. Turned out to be nothing but the same thing I’d always had – skeletomuscular irritation made worse with a bit of acid reflux topped off with stress that I’m going to die. After reassurance and some industrial strength Settlers, it was fine. But I wouldn’t have gone down to A&E and got it sorted without knowing what happened to Owen.

As a result of this fear and panic, and general unfitness, I bought a bike, and now do 12-15 miles a week on it.

In summary, Owen’s death has saved me untold amounts of money (er, except the bike), and potentially my life. Sort of.

Rather have him back though 🙁