They Did Everything Together

As childhood friends often do, Sam, Jim and I grew apart - new friends and different classes just brought us to different circles. However, they'd still be the friendliest, warmest, goofiest boys whenever I would chat with them and, without words, I knew they always had my back. The last time I saw Sam and Jim was a few years ago at The Shannon Rose on Thanksgiving Eve. The bar was packed with all our old classmates, and, as always the night before Thanksgiving, there were the classic awkward interactions -but not with either of them. I don't think I had seen them since we graduated high school but it was like we were long lost best friends catching up. That's one of the many special things about both of them - they just had this way of being so in the moment with you, making you feel special, loved and important. I remember having a brief, smiley conversation with Jim - pretty sure first thing out of his mouth was "How's Dan!?". And not in a small talk kind of way - in a genuine, I want to know kind of way. Later on in the night, I bumped into Sam who shouted "Karen Mennella!" and hugged me instantly. I honestly don't even remember what we talked about, I just remember smiling ear to ear and thinking how awesome it was that we could just pick up where we left off so many years ago. The two of them were the happiest and most genuine boys, and I am so, so lucky to have known them. - Karen