Life comes and goes

A few weeks ago I was introduced to Colton. He is the firstborn son of a good friend of mine from way back to jr. high school.

We'd ride together with his dad or my dad in the early mornings. During basketball season we must have been rolling out of the driveway by 5:30 or so with JV practices being in the mornings before class. The varsity had practice in the gym after classes, of course. We'd struggle through long days and occasionally eat at each other's dinner tables a few thousand feet away. We went to most of private school together in Colorado Springs.

At one point when times were tough, he went to a school that was far less expensive or maybe free in order for his younger brother to continue to attend ours. This put him out of his friends' grade, at that time a social construct to not be trifled with, especially in our tiny school community.

We would lose touch from time to time. Later we would see each other very rarely, maybe once or twice every few years, then even more rarely. I can't say we've ever had huge disagreements or been close to throwing blows like some good friends can do. He's got a big heart, always has. His life hasn't been easy, but he's always had a tremendous family that helps and supports each other.

Now he has begun to assemble a tremendous family of his own. I'm proud of my friend, his wife and their new baby boy.

Congratulations Nate, and all the best.
-k