John Giro

Earlier this year, the proverbial hit the fan in our family after my daughter was ill and then thankfully recovered. I realised my state of mind after the event was very affected.

Having been exposed to RUOK? Day through Gav, I took some steps and went down a path that gave me the strength to reach out when I needed to, and step off the treadmill. Thanks to RUOK? and to you Gav.

I spoke with Gavin around June this year, after I took some time out and we traded stories. At the time, I knew what he shared with me was special. It’s even more so now.

Our conversation flowed to a point where he spoke of how lucky he is to have Maz and the kids. How strong she has been for him and the family. And how much he loves them all. How lucky he is.

How he discovered the real depth of their love, strength, resolve and support. How they all made a conscious choice and aligned their thoughts in only one direction. How Maz’s strength is an inspiration.

It wasn’t hyperbole. It's, as ever from Gav, absolutely from the heart. I remember speaking to Caroline (my wife) about how lucky I am to have someone share their intimate thoughts with me. What a big heart Gavin has.

It is inspirational. It is aspirational. It is, Gavin Larkin.

I know Gav’s inspired many through determination and single mindedness, but I remain most in awe and inspired by Gav’s love for those closest to him.

I have searched for meaning in the last years, and below is something I’d like to share.

In our Western philosophy we perceive time as something that is finite, which once past is forever lost. There is the present, the future yet to happen and the past that we say is gone.

But I prefer how some Eastern cultures consider time. They think of time as a river. While it has a start, a middle and an end, a river exists as all of these three things, at the same time.

If this is true, then are the present, future and even past always happening at the same time?

What was, is Now.

Now, is Now.

What will be, is Now.

Our love to you and all the Larkin’s.

Johnnie G, Caroline and Nina.