Sharing the love at work before it's too late. A shining example of how an employer, friends and co-workers came through when it counted

This is a story about living and loving and working with cancer.

Work consumes so much of our time on earth. It defines us, pays us, inspires and frustrates us. It also establishes some of the friendships we keep for life -- and beyond.

Such is the story of two lovely young ladies in Seattle, Ann Abraham Brooks and Tricia Moen. They met on the job at KIRO TV when Ann was producing a newscast and Tricia was an aspiring intern. Their careers blossomed in the years that followed. Tricia worked her way up into a producer’s chair at KOMO TV in Seattle -- a world-class station in one of America’s most desired TV markets. Ann left the news business and held the reigns in public relations, most recently marketing Washington’s fine wines.

But they never lost touch with each other. They were there for each other right up until early Saturday, when Tricia, just 39, lost her battle with colon cancer.

During that courageous fight, Tricia and Ann talked, emailed, met for frequent lunches at new restaurants they wanted to try, and spent a wonderful week in Hawaii together this past December. They hung out at the spa, soaked up the sun, swam with dolphins. Ann shared some inspiring stories and pictures of the trip with other friends. She said none of it would have been possible without the support of Tricia’s employer, KOMO-TV, and her colleagues there. They made sure there Tricia was covered during her treatments and appointments, for more than two years, and that there was enough vacation time for that last trip to Hawaii. Ann said she and Tricia were surprised to arrive and find their hotel accommodations had been upgraded to a suite. Their long plane ride home was more comfortable because First Class upgrades were waiting for them at the gate -- all compliments of Team Tricia at KOMO.

The station campaigned throughout Tricia’s illness for colon cancer awareness and has posted a very moving tribute to Tricia.

This week many with heavy hearts will parade past the desk where Tricia sat. Her friends will get together and share memories. There will be joy and there will be tears. But none of them -- not Ann and not her colleagues -- will have regrets about the love they never shared. They came through went it counted. They spent precious time together while they still could. They reached out before it was too late.

That’s something we all should do. Think about the first person you see when you hit the door each morning, the guy who sits across from you, the counterpart who has your back, the woman you park next to. Don’t wait to share your appreciation, admiration, encouragement. Don’t put off that lunch invitation or turn down the chance to enjoy some time together outside of the office.

You never know when you will no longer have the opportunity.