When you’re a kid, you never think the people you’re building snow forts, playing basketball and sliding down leaf-covered hills with will die.
But the often hard-realized truth is, they do. Sometimes at a young age.
A few days ago I learned that one of my closest childhood friends and neighbors died from cancer and it made me realize how important it is to appreciate childhood friends and memories. Make the most of them while you can.
I haven’t seen him or his family in years, but I have countless childhood memories with him and his brothers, and I sobbed uncontrollably when I found out of his passing.
My friend was 22 when he died, but he made an irreplaceable imprint on my life and memory long before he hit his teens.
His death made me realize the importance of childhood friends and memories.
Even if you never talk to you childhood friends again, even if only a few memories and shared experiences keep you connected — treasure those memories.
The memories of my sister and I playing with him and his brothers are ones I will never forget. He and his brothers were some of my first friends and I will never forget the memories we made together.
Even though he died at a young age, he will forever be alive and young in my memory.
No one else can teach me to play basketball like he did. And I will forever know how to build the best snow fort ever, because he and his brothers trained me well.
Tomorrow I have to go to a funeral for a 22 year old. So remember your childhood friends.
People, even when they’re only apart of your life fleetingly, affect who you are, especially when they’re part of your childhood. So, as cliche as it sounds, treasure the memories you made as a child, and if you can’t remember the joy you felt as a child, slide down a leaf-covered hill, play a game of one-on-one, or build a snow fort. And tomorrow and everyday after, remember the memories you made with childhood friends.
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