Friends, here and gone.

I've have been fortunate in my life to have some amazing friends. Some of them are no longer here, some are no longer friends, some have drifted away, and some are still here stronger than ever.

I guess the one I miss the most is Brad, my best friend since 3rd grade. He was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy when he was 6 and lived an amazing life until he died on April 17, 2004. He was such an amazing person who never let his disease get him down....something I try to emulate in my life. I sure miss him dearly.

Laura is still here, but she lives in Richmond, VA. We seem to have a much better relationship when we are not together. I'm not saying we don't get along, but for some reason the long-distance thing makes it easier to manage. I went to visit her last Nov., and that was awesome. I was getting really depressed and just being with her pulled me out of it. It's not explainable, it's just fact.

Elizabeth lives in London with her husband. She's been in my life since 2003 and is a wonderfully strong, dedicated woman. I just wish she didn't live so far away. I can't wait for the day one of her amazing film scripts gets produced and she achieves her dreams.

James has been a very important person in my life over the short year and a half we have known each other. He puts up with my shit, and makes me smile. He's a very strong man and I envy him. Even with his little nurotic behaviors.

I credit James for introducing me to another wonderful person, Carrie. Sure she and I have our differences, but she has always been there for me. Stood up for me, and made it quite clear when she was upset with something I have done. I really admire that about her.

As for those who are in the "gone" list, they aren't really gone. We just arn't friends anymore. But I'm not going to get into that here.