Steven and I hung out a lot in Chicago. In college we used to go to this place called Tikki's, which was a tacky bar with tropical decorations. We'd drink zombies served in these tall glasses with the shapes of naked women on the side of them, eat greasy fish and chips and chicken wings, and had very few cares in the world except wanting to have fun with friends and not skip too many classes that week.

In the fight against illness, people cannot hide their true selves. They are utterly helpless and dependent upon others. Normal everyday tasks require an enormous amount of effort and concentration. In Steven's fight against cancer, he showed his true colors. I've never seen anybody so patient, gracious and persistent.

Instead of me reassuring him that I would be there for him, he told me that if I ever needed anything that he would be there. Instead of me telling him that God would be with him, he told me "God be with you." Those were the last words Steven spoke to me.

-Paul Lee

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