Are you still friends with any of your childhood friends?

We moved from Baltimore to Salisbury when I was 14, so two groups of friends. I have one friend here I’ve been close with for 45 years since high school and college. We were in each others weddings, held each others kids the day they were born, and held each other as we cried the day each of my parents died and his mom died. We’re still very close and drink beer together frequently.

I stayed close with my friends in Baltimore for 3 years after we moved, as we frequently returned to visit. One day in October 1978 I came home from school to find my mom very upset “Craig was killed in a car accident last night” he was my closest friend. my dad came home from work and held me as I cried. Shortly thereafter we called his parents and my folks offered their sympathies. It was my turn. “I’m so sorry to hear about Craig” was all I could say “I know you are Michael, I know you are” his mom said. I will never forget that call.

There were 6 people in the car that night, and 5 were killed. It ripped the close-knit neighborhood apart. Another friend who lived across the street from my buddy said years later it was the worst night of his life.

I consider myself lucky to have friends now and in the past who are close enough to cry over.