Tuesday, June 08, 2004 :::
I was talking to a friend of mine last night about someone they know who died in iraq.
And I get a phone call tonight, from an 956 number (that's the RGV's area code) and I don't know who it is.
So I answer. It's some guy I don't know, asking for me. So I say it's me, and then he busts out with my full name. Like, complete full name.
And I'm like, wtf?
Then he apologizes for the late hour, saying that this is an emergency. He starts asking if I know someone by the name of [enter full name here], which is a really close friend of mine that I call Manny.
And I'm like, wtf?
So then the guy starts talking about how Manny's parents have already been notified, but because of the intimate nature of our relationship Manny had left a directive in his will that I be notified... and that there was something he'd wanted me to have.
And I'm like... wigging out.
The guy starts telling me about how Manny had gotten shipped back to Iraq and there was an accident... but I wasn't really listening, ya know? This is one of my best friends that I have ever had. in my life.
And then this guy says that before he can reveal any more information he needs proof that I am the person he's looking for - he asks me for Manny's birthday.
I don't know it.
So he hangs up.
And I'm like... sitting here wigging out, wondering why I'm not crying. I start thinking about the different stages of grief, and how the first stage is denial. But I wasn't in denial.
Why wasn't I crying? He's one of my best friends - the friendship I have with him is one of my most valued posessions.
I start thinking about his mom, his brothers, and his younger sister. She's the only girl in the family, and she's the sweetest thing.
After all the trouble I went through a couple of months ago to get in touch with him... how had I let that be our last conversation?
Then my phone rings again. From the same number. And I smile. It's gotta be a joke, right? Why else would they call back?
And then it hits me - this is denial.
And it felt like my heart stopped.
I thank God it was a joke.
It was Manny on the other end laughing and yelling and asking me how I've been.
I talked to him for a while, half an hour or so... just catching up.
I guess I sounded a bit dishelved because he starts apologizing, and says he has a surprise for me!
He's gonna come visit me! Next week!!!!
*�ber stoked*
but wait, there's more!
My old friend Webster, someone I haven't heard from since December of 2001, comes on the phone yelling Goosey Goose (it's what he and some of the other guys used to call me)(heh - I guess they still do call me that)!
I talked with Webster (a nickname) for about 45 minutes, just catching up.
Gawd how we've all changed.
I just really want to let everyone know how much I really care about them, especially the people I've lost touch with.
We've all moved around a lot, and some of us have no plans for going back to the valley. I just hope the impression I've left those I've lost contact with... I hope they all know that I will never forget them, and I will keep them in my prayers.
::: posted by tinafish at 10:35 PM :::