The funeral was closed casket. I was one of the pall bearers. We put the casket into the hearse, removed our gloves and laid them on the top of the box. I touched it with my right hand and just froze. I was the last person to touch it. I stood in place, quietly sobbing.

Some time later, I found a letter Sean typed a year prior. He apologized about everything gone bad in the past years and how eye-opening time in jail can be. His last sentence hit the chord in my heart: "I consider you a friend and I know I will see you succeed."

It's been two years since Sean died and I still miss him. Occasionally, I'll go for a visit to the bridge on Hicks Road where the final shots were fired. Our friendship turned sour – then rebuilt itself stronger. People have differences that can, sometimes, be overcome. But I've found that I don't take people for granted like I used to. It might be cliché to say that time passes too quickly, but it's better than it being taken away completely. It's odd to look back on eight years and see it with older eyes. Fate can be a tough teacher.

I just wish it didn't have to be so hard to learn.



Have you ever lost a best friend?