Dr. George M. "Jamie" Astaphan

At X's beach bar in Frigate Bay, in early 2003, with his usual poison, soda water. The bit of arm showing next to him belongs to me -- that's as much of me as I can show without revealing my incognito (such as it is) and and rather too much bra strap. Six months after I arrived in St. Kitts the rumor mill said we were having an affair. This, and other fantastic tales about me, may still be circulating there for all I know. Didn't have an affair with him, wasn't tempted. Nor was he. But I did grow to love him, and whenever I talked to him I always felt happier. He was my doctor and he was a very dear friend, a funny, funny, kind, brilliant man with a loving heart.

He died at age 60 on Friday August 18. The world seems a stupider place without him.