Like Paul, I've known what's been happening with Steven since he was taken into hospital - we've just been waiting since to see what was going to happen and sadly the outcome is one we didn't want to hear, but knew was a strong possibility from the outset. The sad truth that we've been told is that he will not survive his latest setback.
Steve's not one for formality and being all flowerly about things. I think his directness was one of the many reasons I was so fond of him when I first met him back in 2000. Yes, there was times he's been a cheeky so and so, but he never did it out of malice or hate, and was simply his way. His character was very colourful, and at times you had to stop and smile when you realised Steve was every bit as much as Darkfox as Darkfox was Steve. We all have our online characters, but with him, the 2 are one and the same. Truely the definition of unique.
Some of us know him as Fox, some of us as Steve. He's had a hard life and taken many knocks since he first arrived, but he's surprised everyone over the years with his spirit and true grit. He never wanted anyone to feel to sorry for him or feel pity, he simply picked himself up, carried on and reminded us all of his wit, charm and intelligence. He just wanted to be treated as anyone else, and we all did that for him.
I am going to miss Steve. Anything I say just seems so... inadequate and doesn't really do justice to the friendship I had with him, but when the time comes, he'll still be here, in my heart and mind, and we will have everything he gave us, safely stored away.
That's as much as I'll say for now, as the journey is still continuing. He won't want me being all gushy or anything, so Steven, I've been proud to call you friend and I'll miss you.