I ask the following question with brutal honesty: How on earth was one not able to smile around someone like Stephen? Not possible, I tell you. From the moment I first met him – quite by accident – one afternoon at KOOP Radio, to all the wonderful moments we shared chatting at work, in between Stephen’s hosting duties at KUT 90.5 and my babbling as evening host on KUTX 98.9, we told so many stories, giggled, ranted in bitch sessions (oooh girl, Stephen kept me SANE, let me tell you), and even shed a few tears during some more challenging times. But it never failed; he always lifted my spirits, no matter how crabby, irritated, or frazzled I may have been feeling. And folks who know me personally know that that is not an easy feat to achieve. Stephen knew how to do it, effortlessly. That heartfelt sweetness came quite naturally to him. As a reference to the late, great Paul Ray, Stephen and I used to kid about looking forward to our “Wine Time” (our own take on Twine Time, Paul Ray’s Saturday night show). At the end of the day, nothing helps the healing or the stress-relief more than a glass of red wine. Or seven. I’m a sober gal these days, but I chuckle just at the thought of Stephen declaring, “It’s Wiiiine Tiiime!” Sweetest darlin’, how I miss you so. How I miss seeing your face, and hearing your cheerful greeting each afternoon. And thank you for helping me to laugh at the idiots, of which there are multitudes. But hey…comedy gold, baby. XO