Memories

I had a friend once. He was incredibly smart with a great sense of humor – just like most of us remember old buddies. I was so in love with him. Puppy love that is. Nothing major. I used to imagine us being together. There was this one time he offered to catch me as I was about to jump off the back of a school bus (don’t ask). I remember the outstretched arms and the look on his face. My religious friends told me to slow down with him. Looking back, we weren't actually heading anywhere fast. This was when “the church” was against dating. Anyway, back to the friend. He always had bad luck with girls. The trashy ones always found him … or rather, he found them – however it worked. I used to watch him go through girls thinking “why don’t you pick me? All you’d have to do is ask.” My friend lara recommended that I throw apples at his head because he had to be an idiot not to not like me. I can only be myself and didn't know how to approach the topic. In fact, I still don't know how to approach any such topic. I find myself inept at such things but that is another conversation. I think when I first met him, we “liked” each other. But as time drew on, the attraction waned. Somethings happen for a reason.

The reason I remember this is because I saw a picture of him today. I was roaming the internet and I came across his pictures. He looks terrible. But there was one picture that reminded me of him when he was 15. Wild eyes, crazy grin, and a bright future. He now works at a local grocery store and spends his money on getting high. Where have my childhood friends gone?
Another old friend is practically failing college. Yet another friend is married and has a baby - this person has dropped out of school. So many lives fallen through the cracks.

Enter me. I'm studying in one of the greatest cities in the world. I have not (and will not) dropped out of school. I'm not on drugs nor do I have two kids to lug around. I am so blessed in oh so many ways. I pray that I will never forget this. I pray that I will never forget my humble "roots." I pray that I will be able to give back to all those who have given so much to me. Carpe Diem.