Today is a sad day.

Early this afternoon I learned some sad news.

A friend of mine passed away.

Quite unexpectedly.

It came as a complete shock.

To everyone.

He was only 22.

He was a good kid.

I say kid, because those are the memories I have of him. The two of us hanging out together during his oldest brother's wrestling tournaments. Playing Tetris on his Gameboy on drives to Canon City. Playing "find this town" in the atlas as we drove down Highway 1 on a three week family vacation of sorts. Eating Carl's Junior in Pueblo. Eating oatmeal together...okay, more like me gagging on oatmeal as I tried to eat it. Fishing.

Reflecting on our time together as friends this afternoon I can hear his laughter.

He had such a memorable laugh.

He had such a joyful spirit.

A kind heart.

I haven't seen him or talked to him in years.

At first I felt kinda guilty about it. But a good friend of mine reminded me this afternoon that sometimes there are seasons to having people in our lives.

And while that is true, it also goes to show that sometimes you just never know if tomorrow may be your last. I think I forget that sometimes because I'm young.

I will never see him or hear his laughter again. Well, until I see him in heaven someday.

I know the Lord welcomed him into heaven with open arms the night he passed away.

For now I pray for his family. For his mother and father who are experiencing something no parent wants to experience. For his older brother who I'm sure is having a really difficult time with this for reasons I won't even begin to describe. For his other brother. My heart aches for them. Tears have splashed down my cheeks today. For the loss of a son, a brother, a friend, an all around great "kid".

And even though I know I'll one day see him again, it doesn't change the fact that he is gone from this earth...where I am now.

Tonight, my friend, I will remember you. Please know that you will be missed and that you have touched so many, both young and old. Both new friends and old. I know you fulfilled the Lord's purpose, but it doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye.