Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Funeral for a Friend

A friend is dead. He is gone. He was alone in his apartment in the big city, found by his brother after he was incommunicado for a week. He was a really good person, much loved.

How do you honor a dead friend? I drank with him, I travelled with him, I slept on his couch, I cheered at the boat race with him, I spent many class breaks out in the cold rain and snow with him, I shared a few deep conversations with him, I laughed, I danced.

He was honest, kind, sweet. Always smiling, laughing. Genuine, passionate, helpful, generous. Loved his family, his friends, running, selfies, holidays, sports, beer, staying in peak physical condition.

I haven't lost a friend before. Close family, distant family, acquaintances, people within an extended friends' circle - yes. But this is new. You choose friends, there is a part of you within them, as there is a part of you in every choice you make.

So, how do I honor you, my friend? Maybe I will remember some of your favourite music and will think of you when I listen to it. Maybe I will be able to return to the cities we met in, the places we went, the things we did, and recreate some of those happy memories. Maybe some of us who knew you well will meet later in life, and I will make sure we raise a glass to you every time.

I will miss you.
Goodbye, Young.

^