Friends

Rarely in this world of mine, both growing up military and then becoming military myself, have I had long time friends (Longer then a year by my count). Recently I lost one such friend, due to an accident and being that today would have been his birthday, I wanted to take some time out, and remember him. I first met Andrew almost 4 years ago next month, shortly before graduating AIT. I was young, 20, and didn't really think much of it at the time. Friends come and go for me, as cold as that may sound. This one didn't. Andrew was there for me, for the next 4 years, always at the other end of the line. It didn't matter where I was, or what time it was, I always knew no matter what, that there was someone I could always talk to, and that would listen and understand me. Andrew understood me like no other man I have ever known. The last time I saw him was New Years, shortly before leaving for over here. The last time I spoke to him, or heard from him, it was shortly after I found out that I wasn't going on leave, the 2nd time it had been pulled from me. We had had a small argument, but the last thing he said to me, was "It's not worth losing your friendship over". After that nothing. I was angry, hurt. I didn't know why he wasn't writing me anymore. I didn't find out until 2 weeks later that he had died, from my mother who had told me to call her. All I remember is falling backwards, to the wall behind me. Sometimes life hands us cruel lines of fate, but we must make do with what we recieve. Moral of the story, don't let people not know how you feel. Always tell them, even if you really don't know how. Cherish each friendship, each relationship.