RIP

So many thoughts tonight. This afternoon I found out that a friend of mine from high school passed away.  There were times we were inseparable, while others the drama of high school years was between us.

Groves High School had many Russians around and I wasn't too friendly with most. I did hear about this cool kid named Alex but alas our paths never crossed. Until this one math class. We were seated next to each other and I was assigned to help him with math. Or maybe it was the other way around? Who knows. The teacher would routinely get us in trouble for speaking Russian. "I don't know what you are saying! Are you talking about me??"

In our hatred of her we became fast friends. From hanging out with Alex's friends Scott, Ryan and Jake, I made a new group of friends who were fun (and fun to get in trouble with). Boy, did I learn about cars from those guys! Spoilers, beamers, neon lights, Chevrolets and Berrettas, I wanted to keep up and be one of the guys oh-so-much.

Alex introduced me to Remi's dad the first time we dated.  Many years later when we got back together, Alex wanted none of it.
After all, Pasha was one of his closest friends and I could never be good enough for one of his bros. It didn't matter that we've known each other for over a decade.  He didn't approve.

Over the years, Alex always marveled at my desire to travel and I at his for not wanting a change of pace.  He loved MI, he loved home and he loved his comfort. He loved those he surrounded himself with. 

Today, my heart hurts for Alex's pregnant wife and his son Adam. He'll never have his dad by his side as grows up to be a man and the little one will never get to meet the daddy.

Alex's pictures are popping up all over my facebook tonight. People will be making many jokes and fart sounds, as those would be the only way to remember Alex appropriately. His heart of gold and humor of a high schooler.

I talked to more people from high school tonight than I have in sixteen years combined. We are too young to deal with this. It  wasn't supposed to happen. But it did. And it does. Treasure the days that you have and hug the ones you love.

RIP