The following is a piece submitted to me by one of our colleagues, @openadoor34 for inclusion in this collection.

From Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Lockie Young joined wattpad a few months after I did. He was kind, supportive and we soon became friends.

I had no idea of his health problems until I read his story "Leg Farts and Other Oddities" Despite the sad realisation that he had recently had a leg amputated, it was a compelling, and informative, read. Lockie had been a plumber until the intense pain affected his job performance. He didn't talk about things like that, but he wrote about it in his blog 'Lockie's Lecturn, writing prose, and poetry, for everyone' on lockyardyoung.wordpress.com in an entry, "The dark Place" Reading this piece made me deeply saddened, and concerned. I remember talking to him about crying, he told me his father had never allowed him to cry. Lockie was the epitome of brave.

Lockie invited me to be his FaceBook friend, a request to which I happily agreed. His posts were a breath of fresh air. The man was all about being positive and grateful.

Earlier that year a new health scare developed for him, and he generously explained it to anyone who asked. In his blog, he tells the story of his stem cell replacement, in 'Reflections From a Hospital Window' The last paragraph of this entry is, "My plan was, and always will be, is a simple three word mantra, Never Give Up" LFYoung 2016.

Morning Rain Publishing recently announced that 'Ryan's Legend' by LFYoung was now in print. Lockie was very excited by this and it was the subject of his last FaceBook status in December 2016.

Lockie sadly died on December 2016. I discovered this shocking news from his wife, Trish, the next day on FaceBook. I knew about the stemcell replacement, but was unaware of his failing health. he was not a complainer. I have been crying, on and off, ever since. An online friend is every bit as real as those we see face to face.

I encourage you all to visit his wattpad page, @LFYoung, also to visit his blog, http://lockhardyoung.wordpress.com/ and his FaceBook page, http://www.facebook.comlockieyoung9 to learn more about this amazing man, gifted writer, and dedicated friend.

I shall miss Lockie Young, it hurts to say goodbye, but just as grateful as he was for every moment he had, I am grateful too, for every moment I had with this beautiful soul.

Karen

Please do note vote on this page, save your votes for Lockie's pages.

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