Innocents of Friendship

Innocents of a Friendship!

Today, I am sadden by the loss of a great friend, not because of death but because we cannot live in the past. John and I have been friends since we were in high school. The days when we hung out at the beginning of D Hall just Roxanne, him, and I.

The days when his mom, Mrs. Donita, was alive and cheering for #83 for the South Lafourche Fighting Tarpons. Oh! How I miss Mrs. Donita and her smile. The same smile and laugh her son has today.

It took me sometime to realize that John and I's friendship could no longer be as it was back in the day, because we are not the same people we were back then. We had our share of conversations ones that I remember and some that he remembers. I love that boy like he was my brother, and would have done anything to protect him from being hurt.

One of my fondest memories of him is that he and I took the ASVAB test together and spoke to the same Army recruiter. At that time in my life; I was 18, overweight, low self-esteem, and had NEVER been away from home. That is why I choose NOT to sign up, and the fact that they wanted me to loose 80 pounds before basic training. John told me back then that the Army was the place he was going to be and he would make it his career! Which he did!

He married and has 2 children - Johnathan and Karen! I look on facebook to see them and they are both heading into successful lives. I am so very proud of my best friend from high school, and I don't think he will ever know!

On August 25th at Ft Bragg, North Carolina he will receive honors for retirement,

serving his time in the US Army!

I wish my family and I could attend, but it is not possible because of many reasons!

I have decided that I can no longer take the drama of his military family and so called friends. It was over 23 years since we had spoken, and I guess we will not speak to each other for another 23 or so years.

John, this is for you!

I have been and always will be proud to call you my friend.

I know on August 25th, your mom will be looking down from heaven as you receive your honor of retirement. She has been and always will be proud of you! You are always going to be my brother!

The military has changed you, and we cannot change the past we can only focus on the future. I would have loved to see you again, and to have you meet my family. But I know that is not possible anymore because of your life. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers as much today as you have been in the past. I know your mom, dad, and brother are proud of what you have done for our country!

Thank you for doing an awesome job fighting for out freedom, and good luck in your civilian life!

Always and Forever,

Tie