Talkin' 'bout friends...that's what it's all about

The subject today, boys and girls, is friendship. I don't just mean people you hang out with. I mean real, honest-to-God friendship. A connection so strong to another individual that you can't imagine your world without them. And no, I don't mean someone you're in love with, either. Being in love is awesome, but that's a topic for another day.

My best friend has been a major part of my life for...well, forever, it seems. We met in 7th grade. We were neighbors and I used to have to walk by his house every morning on my way to school. I had a crush on him at the time but hadn't really refined my flirting skills, so I'd wait for him to leave his house and I'd throw snowballs at him. Beaned him right in the head one day with a big ball of ice. It was a miracle he didn't get a concussion. Like I said...I hadn't refined my flirting skills yet. He ended up leaving for school (a 30 second walk from his front door) about a half hour early and running the whole way.

Blake Shelton has a song whose lyrics fit us pretty well...

"The only two bad apples on our family tree

Kinda ripened and rotted in our puberty

Two kindred spirits bound by destiny.

I was smart but I lacked ambition

(He) was wild with no inhibitions

It was about like mixin' fire and gasoline."

Things evolved a bit over the years. We had some pretty hot and heavy make out sessions. Woulda slept together if the cops hadn't started pounding on the door. Long story, don't ask, but we decided to take it as a sign from God. Things are strictly platonic now. But it's better this way. I have a partner in crime. An alibi. Why do I need an alibi, you ask? Oh, if I told you that, dear reader, I'd have to kill you.

He's been there thru every major crisis in my life. Every one of them. He stayed with me almost all night the night my mother died. Even managed to provide comic relief when my father died. Doesn't matter what's been wrong. He's always been there. And he always will be. I know that for a fact.

It's not a one way friendship...I've got his back too and he knows it. We have an understanding...if one of us lies, the other will swear to it. That's the kind of love that makes the world go 'round.

Remember - a friend will bail you out of jail...but a good friend will be sitting next to you saying "Damn! That was fun!"