All over the world people are expressing their admiration for Steve Jobs and sorrow at his passing. Steve made a difference in many lives (mine included) and it’s sad to see him go so soon. He should have had many years left to enjoy. So long Steve and thanks for the ride.

But I’m not here today to talk of Steve, but of Diane Cilento.

I’ve followed her adventures all of my life, she was always that gorgeous, glamourous girl that I so dearly wanted to be.

My mother and her mother were cousins and I clung to the thought of that family connection all through the years. When Diane married Sean Connery I ran around telling everyone I knew (and a few complete strangers) that James Bond was my cousin!

Thanks for that, Diane.

Diane’s mother wrote to me twice, many years ago, and she was prompted to do so by my Aunt Cora, a gentle soul and a prolific letter writer. I had burned my arm in some escapade or other and Lady Cilento sent me advice about vitamin E and scar tissue.

Thanks for that, Phyllis.

I’m sorry, Diane, that you never mentioned your convict heritage, the one we shared. I’m proud of that small boy who was sent here in chains. Without him I wouldn’t be sitting here thinking about you.

Vale Diane Cilento. October 5, 1933 – October 8, 2011
Bless the road that now carries you