After a year and a half, I saw my friend. The friend who almost didn’t make it to the hospital. Somehow, we didn’t lose you that day.

I hugged you so tightly, I think I hurt you a bit. “We made it!” sobbing with gratitude.

And as you drove away, I got the word: my other friend didn’t. The joy boiled over into grief. I did what you would have done: loved everyone a little harder that day.