Sometimes we are in the right place at the right time, although it seems to be the opposite. Arriving at that place sometimes destroys our lives as we know it. Yet, in retrospect it can be a blessing that forces us to grow in directions that we never imagined.
Paul and Billy grew up together. They were born on the same day in the same hospital and just so happened to live next door to each other.
Yes, the odds of this cannot be computed. They were as close to twins as you can get. They were inseparable. Same homerooms K-8. Same T-Ball team. Constantly sleeping over each other’s houses.
Both sets of parents bought bunk beds for them to use.
One day, around Thanksgiving of highschool freshman year, Paul told Billy he was busy with his family on a Saturday and couldn’t hang out.
So Billy asked his mom to bring him to the mall. She agreed and said “We can have lunch together too!” She rarely had time alone with Billy anymore.
The mall was very crowded. As they strolled, Billy caught sight of Paul coming towards him. But Billy was confused as Paul’s family was nowhere to be found.
“Wait,” Billy thought, “Isn’t that Tim Fitzsimmons from Biology class? And isn't that Gil Johnson from Gym class? And isn’t that…….”
Billy was immersed in his first defining life moment with a “life before” and “life after.” A tectonic shift that there is no escape from, and with no way for you to get back to the life you had just a moment ago.
Billy’s tears began to flow and he fell into his mother’s arms. He tried to speak but he was already hyperventilating.
“Mooommm, (deep breath) weee haf (deep breath) to go. I’ll (deep breath) tell you (deep breath) why in the (deep breath) car…”
There is no more painful moment than when you realize your best friend has moved on to other friends, leaving you all alone.
