[slideshow]
These photos are pretty typical illustration of a group of friends anywhere around the world hanging out together on a Saturday night at their local. Beers, laughter, bad jokes and did I say lots of beers? Except this happy little bunch will never ever be the same again now..
Yoko Suzuki, with the brightest of smiles and the happiest of dispositions, is the girl dressed in the lime green shawl on the right. She was a force to contend with in many ways, fiercely independent, strong willed and oh so patient and tolerant of so many things...
But this morning the lives of all of the people in the photos... including my own... became inexorably entwined with the news events of the past month... something no journalist ever wants is to become a part of the breaking story... but my dear friend and Yoko's devastated partner Mitch told me that the authorities in New Zealand had positively identified her... and our faint hopes for her survival in the earthquake stricken Canterbury Television Building were finally dashed.
We had all prayed that she would be found alive and well and laughing as she usually was in that building that pancaked during the Christchurch earthquake... but that is not to be and our little group of friends are now the poorer for her loss... Nobody could ever replace our Yoko but we must continue to live as best we can...
In the knowledge of what is happening in Japan now I can only say that our hearts go out to everyone of that elegant and fragile country and hope and pray for all of Yoko's countrymen and women...I pray they won't give in or give up... I know that Yoko would not have done.
And to the country that was the mother of our friend I send my condolences and prayers for your continued courage and strength to survive these most catastrophic events. And the wish that your hearts will once again fill with laughter... Thats how I will always remember Yoko- with a bright and happy laugh...
Farewell my friend, Yoko Suzuki...
'Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.'