Kevin Costello was my close friend from New Hampshire who died of cancer in 1995 at the age of 24. He'd most likely frown upon a page dedicated to his memory unless the page told some life-enhancing story, so that is exactly what I will offer here.

Once, after Kevin had been sick for a long time, we were at Weir's Beach in New Hampshire. We were sitting on the beach, a little self conscious about taking our shirts off and jumping in the water: me, just due to being a few pounds overweight, and Kevin, due to the metal rods that were supporting his spine that could be seen somewhat easily beneath his skin.

We sat watching pretty girls jump around in the water, and eventually Kevin turned to me and said "I have just as much right as anyone to be here on this beach, no matter how strange I look. If I want to go in the water, I am going in the water."

With that, he took his shirt off and proudly walked to the water and went for a swim. How could I argue with that? It was one of those moments where you put in perspective the challenges you face.

Suddenly my few extra pounds didn't mean anything anymore, especially if Kevin was willing to face his metal rods as if they were nothing at all. I never forgot that day, or Kevin, and I am proud to leave these words here about him.

See also

• The memory wall
• Facing end of life issues
• Giving back
• Supporting someone with cancer