To My Friends Who are Here and for Those Who Have Gone,
Friends come and friends go. Some pass away, and others have to walk away or you have to walk away. Some you don’t talk to for years, and then when you see or talk to one another, it’s as if the story never paused. Others are just acquaintances who served a quick purpose or you served them, but the friendship is gone like a melted snowflake.
Then there are the select few who hold a place so sacred, so deep, so pure in your heart and soul, that no matter what, that friendship will never end, no matter the distance, time, silence, obstacle, nor place in the universe. Even if we never talk again, you will forever be my friend.
It’s not often someone comes into your life and makes your days something to look forward to. But you, yes I’m talking to you, well, you surely did. And maybe you still do.
Some of you came into my life at a time when you were needed. You came in when I needed someone to listen. You showed me that in life, there are very special people who will pop in and out for reasons we cannot explain, but that are necessary in those seasons. You showed me your compassion, your heart, your soul, and you proved that those times in our life when we knew each other closely, those moments you showed me grace or unconditional love, or empathy, were special, and irreplaceable. I will never forget them. How could I forget? You never used me like some friends, only to be a sounding board and never returning the favor. No, we supported one another. You held some of my pain and wished you could take it away, as I hopefully did yours. It was a mutual respect and soulful admiration. I don’t know if that is gone forever, but I know it’s gone for now.
Some of you had to leave. And that’s ok. There is no need to apologize for having to step away. It’s not your fault. It’s just the way life is. Peaks and valleys, joy and pain. There is nothing wrong with choosing or having to go. Sometimes the departure is like the slow fade of a movie’s last scene. Other times, it’s as if the universe ripped out your heart and left it there to beat it’s last. But I promise, whatever the reason, it’s for the best, even if we don’t see it yet. Maybe we need more time to grow before we meet again. May we need more time to mourn before we meet again. Maybe we need time to find out the truth or the path of our life before we meet again. Whatever the reason, it’s for a purpose.
For those who have gone, I wish we could have talked more before we parted ways, but I understand why we couldn’t. You don’t owe me a thing, my friend. If anything, I owe you a debt I can never repay. I owe you my life, and one day, I hope and pray I will have the privilege of attempting to pay off that debt, in this life or the next. Some of you were so graceful in your final words and gave me more respect than I ever deserved, while other times we never took, or maybe we never had, the chance to say goodbye. But I know I most likely messed up everything I should have said at that time, never saying what I wanted to say or bumbling my words like an incoherent fool, which seems par for the course for me. I know I probably contributed to us having to find our separate ways. I can be stupid that way. I can be blissfully ignorant of the effect my words can have on people. I try to choose them carefully, but sometimes, you cannot put the toothpaste back in the tube. And for that, I am so very sorry. So painfully, and tearfully sorry. If you only knew the deep sorrow that rests in my heart. It’s the same with family who have passed. We regret the things we did or didn’t say, before they could listen no more. But please know, there is not a time in my life that certain things will not remind me of who you are: a song, a place, a memory, a word, or a phrase. I’m going to miss sharing parts of my life with you, my friend. I’m going to well up with every reminder…and I will still hear you laughing with me.
To all of my friends, thank you so much for everything, and I’m truly sorry if I caused you any pain. I can do that without ever knowing it and I wish I had the superpower of clairvoyance to avoid it. I never want to see you hurting and if I could relieve your pain, it would be my highest honor. I hope and pray you will find peace, solace, joy and happiness in life. I know you will because you are strong, resilient, and steadfast. You are a rock. Believe me, I have seen your courage and strength. It’s there. You know who you are.
I also need all my friends, past and present, to know something: you will ALWAYS be special to me and so many others in this world. You may not be able to brighten my days all that often anymore with a word of encouragement, an ear to listen, or even sometimes a hug or a kick in the ass, but I know those of you who are still here on this earth will do it for someone else, and I can take comfort in knowing that they get to share in the joy of who you are. I will have to live our friendship through them. And that is enough to sustain me until we meet again. Whether that is on this earth, or beyond…
Thank you again for being the gift you are, to your family, to your friends, to this world you impact each and every day, but especially the gift you are to me. And never forget, I will be here if you ever need me. I’m just a phone call away. Reach out and I won’t let you fall. I hope and pray I was as much a gift to you, as you were to me.
This tribute is not just to those who have gone but to those who are still here with us. Never forget: Love You Brother or Sister, Sleep Well, See You There, Shalom, Peace be with You…
With all my admiration, and a hope of days to come,
Jeremiah
Reality Politics 