Letter 1 – Oldest Friend

Dear Mark,

We have been friends since 1st grade. We met in Mrs. Pollock’s class, and we sat across from each other in the little groups. Personally, I do not remember much about it other than when you brought your rabbits in for show-and-tell and the gray one scathed up my leg though my turquoise leggings.

In Mrs. Conlin’s class one Friday’s we had the little art adventures with “Captain Mark” on video, that taught us how to draw with depth. We took the name and on the playground wrote stories about the adventures of Captain Mark. After that year we went to different classes and I really did not see you much, and I missed you (and wasn’t allowed to say it because “boys had cooties” so we were suppose to be enemies). I remember people picking on us because we were friends, but for some reason it was the one thing that never bothered us.

In middle school that kept up and we were “not allowed to be friends” because our other friends said so, and we talked every single day regardless. We made sure out lockers were near each other so even when we didn’t have classes together, we were still able to talk every day. Hell, I even forgive you for being a drummer in band – sitting in front of that damned bass drum playing my clarinet, my head never hurt so much in my life, but you always tried to play it softer so I wouldn’t feel as bad.

We went to different high schools but we stayed in touch. We worked together in Youth Court, and you dated two of my friends at my high school – and I was just about always invited on your dates anyways. Prom was the best when you took your girlfriend (one of my best friends then) and me.

We went to different colleges, but for winter break, since I got out before you, I bought a plane ticket and flew to your college to visit and drive home with you. That was the worst cold I have ever seen in Alaska, but I loved spending time with you. Then you came to see me for your spring break, and were introduced to my friend Robin – who you then proceeded to spend all your time with, and I was pretty okay.

In 2004 you and Robin were married, and I preformed the ceremony. At your wedding when we all were giving speeches, you actually gave one about me, telling everyone that you have always thought of me as a big sister, that you knew that no matter what I would be there for you. I don’t remember the rest because I sat at the table with you and Robin and cried. The love we three shared stays with me.

Mark, this is just an overview of all we have been through. You have been my friend and my family for as long as I can really remember. I have never been so proud as when you asked me to preform your wedding ceremony, and we (you, Robin and I) all stood in front of your families, and I cried – I was so happy you found someone that loved you and was in-love with you, who was good to you and supported you. She was my friend first, and I knew her character and I am so happy you guys found each other (and stop attributing it to me already, I think you would have found each other anyways!)

You are my brother and my friend. Even though we don’t talk as much anymore, I always keep you close in my heart and always will. Someday if I ever get married, go figure you’ll be the first person I call (which will piss off my mother, but she loves you too and always has and will forgive you, if not me). That’s how it always is, when good things happen my first thought is to call you because I know you will share the joy with me.

There are not enough words to tell you just how important you are to me. We have been a part of each other’s lives for 23 years now, and you will always be a part of my life.

I love you lil’ brother.

~~Me

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