I would typically shy away from writing a post like this. I'm not immediate family or a very close friend. The last thing I would want to do would be to look like I'm making this about me. Have you ever thought about how we as humans do that? We hear of a death and it's all about what our connection to them was. Regardless, it feels right to honor a friendship.
Six years ago, we were close friends and hung out often. Over the past five years, life moved on, and as many friendships do, we lost touch. We did, however, have a catch up session about twice a year via internet or sporadically seeing each other in person. The last time we were in touch happened to be Thursday night. Less than 48 hours later I would get a call that he was dead.
Since receiving that call, memories have been flooding back. The most memories I have with him are from when I was 18 and 19. Some lake weekends one summer, some random weekends at IU or Purdue, and a less-than-holy spring break trip we went on (a group of 6 guys/girls that met through church functions) lovingly referred to as ACSB07.
My most vivid memory is the two of us sitting on the dark beach one night while the others were out. We talked about life and had what was one of the only serious conversations of the whole week. I vented about 19-year-old-girl problems and he acted like he cared. (Poor guy) I remember him shaking his head and saying something along the lines of "Gutwein, life would be better if you didn't like guys who are such a-holes". Wasn't that the truth. :)
I'll remember him as a good and caring friend who was a lot of fun to be with. I only wish back in 2007 we could have both seen the long-term effects of what we just saw as typical college-age life.
Six years ago, we were close friends and hung out often. Over the past five years, life moved on, and as many friendships do, we lost touch. We did, however, have a catch up session about twice a year via internet or sporadically seeing each other in person. The last time we were in touch happened to be Thursday night. Less than 48 hours later I would get a call that he was dead.
Since receiving that call, memories have been flooding back. The most memories I have with him are from when I was 18 and 19. Some lake weekends one summer, some random weekends at IU or Purdue, and a less-than-holy spring break trip we went on (a group of 6 guys/girls that met through church functions) lovingly referred to as ACSB07.
My most vivid memory is the two of us sitting on the dark beach one night while the others were out. We talked about life and had what was one of the only serious conversations of the whole week. I vented about 19-year-old-girl problems and he acted like he cared. (Poor guy) I remember him shaking his head and saying something along the lines of "Gutwein, life would be better if you didn't like guys who are such a-holes". Wasn't that the truth. :)
I'll remember him as a good and caring friend who was a lot of fun to be with. I only wish back in 2007 we could have both seen the long-term effects of what we just saw as typical college-age life.
6 comments:
don't really know what to say into this situation, but it's seems honoring of his life to commemorate.
I think it was sweet of you to write a reminiscing post. I am glad I got to sit by you today. Love you, friend.
i like this. very special. love you friend!
I'm tearing up but no surprise because I'm tearing up at everything this morning. I love you Em and love how you treasure relationships even when life has moved on. (And I like his advice to you on that beach.)
beautiful...
Thanks for putting this up- I've thought a lot about not realizing the long term effects of those choices too. So thankful God died for us while we were still sinners. Love you Em.
Post a Comment