Mate For Life

Let’s use that in the Australian “mate” as in friend, because if we are talking about a husband or permanent boyfriend, we all know I can’t hold onto those for shit. But as far as friends go, I mate for life. It is amazing to me. Today I pulled up the prison record for my old friend Chris. Now most of you know that Chris fell on some hard times, made some bad decisions and landed himself in jail. I was watching “Walk the Line” last night and seeing Johnny Cash battling addition and all I could think of was “Does Chris still know I love him?” I do, as much as ever. That’s 12 years since I first picked him up as a hitchhiker. Best pal Joe Tapp and I are also going on 12 years. 12 years since he tried desperately to get past a huge bouncer by using a non-picture MAC (ATM) card as a form of ID. Mike Matassa and Rob Wichowski are next. Met them both in Chuck E Cheese, best buds to my paramour John Fisher. Guys, that’s 11 years and I think the world of both of you. The next lifer I met was my big brother Hiten. That was spring of 97 when I hero worshiped this guy named “Ethan” everyone was talking about. I still kind idolize him and have for 9 years. One year later I met my little Michelle, again through the fraternity. We weren’t a smooth match and it took us a while to work out the bugs. She and I have lasted 8 years and still going strong. And now for the star on the top of the tree…none other then lil miss Tricia Arnseth! I knew her sister and noticed her on her first day of high school. I stopped to ask her how her day was going. I remember walking away thinking “That girl is my new best friend!” 13 years ago! She was my first real friend, everyone who came before were just losers and punks.
If there is one thing everyone who makes this list has in common it’s that they’re FUCKING AWESOME!!! Also guys I felt all warm and squishy writing this which means I love you all with my heart and soul.