Five Years

Halloween 2001 - BT, Brad, and me.

5 years ago today, we lost Brad. It's amazing to me that it's already been 5 years, as it sometimes seems like a blink of the eye. Oddly, though, days that you'll swear have flown by later on seem to drag forever when you're in the middle of them.

I have spent a lot of time being sad about Brad's sickness, but we had SO many more good times than bad. He would much rather we dwell on good things, and today I was thinking about all the things Brad did for me. I know that everyone who knew him can make a list longer than I'd ever type here, that's the kind of guy he was.

Let's see, then. He:

• Taught me that a road trip with friends gives you a lifetime of great memories.
• Was always willing to board the Jack 'n Coke Express when I needed someone to cut loose with.
• Was always there for others, no matter what.
• Showed me that the nastiest argument could be resolved with 2 words and a hug if the people really cared about each other.
• Never made me feel bad about decisions I've made, then regretted later.
• Was the first person I have ever trusted completely. If he said he'd do something, he did it. If I confided in him, he never broke that trust. It left me vulnerable, and he never took advantage.
  
• Taught me what strength in the face of adversity really means. The great thing about that is that I could see that he learned it from his dad, another great guy and dear friend of mine.
• Left a hole in my life that will never be filled. He'll always be my best friend, and my life will always be missing that "one thing" that would make it complete.
  

That last one may not sound like a good thing, but it's a testament to what an amazing person he was. That emptiness has (I hope) made me a better friend, and has definitely made me appreciate my friends and family that much more. Of all the things he ever did for me or gave to me, that may be the greatest.

Love you all!
-CP