This Person

Dearest readers,

Please bear with me.  I have heard from someone whom I thought was lost and is now back in touch...somewhat.  At least I know he's alive and kicking ass.

This is the face of a person into whose life I was thrown, and in some way I suppose, saved at one point.  What did he do? Saved my ass more times than I can count.  This person is loyalty personified, who always had my back and who also got me (and the reverse is true as well) in more trouble than I ever should have been.  

What I love about this picture is that I've seen that protective look, that interiority, that cutting out the rest of the world because someone is about to face wrath like they've never seen.  There is a singlemindedness in that look that means "Oh, shit.  Someone crossed a serious line".  However, there is peace in this person now.  A peace I had always hoped was there but wasn't sure if it would be.  The good news is he's not one I have to worry about.  

I am lucky to have this person as my friend in so many ways.  There are too many stories to bore you with, dearest readers. The car accident after the state fair, the many pool halls and places we shouldn't have gone into, and generally being angry young men who felt like nothing would come of this.  A hopeless, feeling-sorry-for-our-lot-in-life anger.  

When all was said and done though, we survived and carved out our own way.  I am so proud of my friend and have been lucky to have him look out for me, prop me up, and make that face at those who didn't like where I was sitting or who I was talking to.  Thanks, my friend.  I am so glad to have you around again. And if you see this look coming at you, you crossed a line and I'll be right there next to him (or him next to me).  

Good to have you back, my friend.