Justin and I were good friends from about 6th grade until well after high school. We hung out just about every day through our school years, and pretty much each one of those days he made me laugh. He had a great sense of humor. Even today, I sometimes reminisce and can’t help but laugh and smile. We lost touch for awhile while I was in the Navy and he was in the Marines. After we both completed our service, we got back in touch and hung out a few times. But with work, family, and other responsibilities, we didn't get to interact as much. The past few years I really lost touch and hadn't heard too much beside that Justin had moved out of state. I was sad to hear of the death of my old friend. I don't know how he lived the last few years, but I remember the days we spent roaming the countryside laughing and having fun. The days at school spent talking about the mundane things in our teenage lives. The time as explorers, learning about law enforcement. And the times spent considering our futures over beers as young adults.
It seems more tragic when someone relatively young (or the same age as you) dies and you didn’t see it coming. It’s a reminder of mortality, and the inevitable process of life. That every story has a beginning. Middle, and end. But, that’s not the story. The story is everything in between. The vivid scenes, the palpable experiences, and vast content within those confines. That’s the story… and it transcends those boundaries, and lives within everyone that interacted with it/them. As sad as I am for the passing of my friend, I am more grateful for the time I knew and spent with him. The moments, thoughts, and laughter we shared. I will remember and miss my dear friend Justin.