maybe from the beginning eh? think oscar the grouch once told me thats the best place to start.

maybe it wasnt him.

but i do know he said this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

so the start. she wanted us to meet before we did. and you didnt know that, did you? i still remember the first conversation we had.

it was about lard.

how unforgettable is that?

and i will admit, at first i wasnt that interested. intrigued, yes.

and i remember the moment you hooked me. when we were talking about death. your grandmother. my sister. how we could relate. and i got the feeling you never had really talked to anyone about it, until then.

so i wanted to be there. offer my assistance.

and, yes, i will admit i started getting a little bit jealous when he drew your attention away. even though i knew i had more to offer, friendship wise, then he did.

and i cant tell you how happy it made me to hear you, that day. when you were giddy and told me you had to tell someone, you had to tell me that he called you beautiful.

the first guy to ever say that to you, you said.

i still grin for you at that.

i remember the moment i knew, absolutely knew, that i had a great friendship waiting to happen in you. it was when we were together, talking, with that other guy, and he asked what music we listened to.

you promptly answered: arabian hard rock.

of course you had me then. and i told you later about that moment, about how i knew without a doubt you were special. you didnt even remember.

and then there was her. she didnt like me calling her my reason for living. it was all a big joke, because it made her uncomfortable, and you were there once when she complained about it. i asked you if you wanted to be my reason.

you accepted and cherished being it.

thanks.

i can remember the first picture you gave me. sent it through the mail. it was three winters ago. i opened it up, then opened up the blue self made envelope that was wallet picture size. pulled out a snowflake.

which i still have.

pulled out your school picture. one of the few pictures with your hair down.

and the time passed. you were there when i was near a break down. you were there when i was at the end with the mom. you were there when i need to release.

and i can never thank you enough.

and the time, i hope, will continue to pass.

pass until i can fulfill my promise and be by your side on your 60th birthday to watch you jump in a swimming pool and sing the fifty nifty states.

yeah, i havent forgotten about that.

and you're still tube glue, you crazy kid.

i should sleep.