When I checked my gmail account this afternoon after spending a grueling hour calling vendors and stores, that was the very first email I saw. I could've shot through the roof, I was so happy, and I tried to contain my very obvious excitement from the vendors being escorted past my cubicle to a conference room by my VP ("nothing to see here, folks, nothing to see here"). "I'm Back!" was penned by my wonderful darling friend Matt, a college buddy who made International Law a much more interesting class, joined me in poking fun at (and becoming friends with) our TA in American Foreign Policy, introduced me to the finer pleasures of the Irish carbomb, spent countless hours with me totally intoxicated and yelling about Reagan at Conor O'Neills, possesses the world's most gorgeous blue eyes and fantastic grin, and completely broke my heart by joining the Army and go to Afghanistan.
Fortunately great friendships, not unlike great loves, last even through heartbreaking decisions made by one party or the other. The last time I saw Matt we went to Conor's and dropped back a few carbombs, then up to Dillon to stay at his brother and sister-in-law's place and ski one of the most fun resorts in Colorado. Being around Matt, and Ryan and Jill too, always imbued me with a sense of total happiness. These are some of the most genuine, kind, loving, warm and intelligent people I've ever known. I took him to the airport to go back to Chicago and then, a few days later, he left for Afghanistan. Fuck, man. That seems like forever ago...and it was only Thanksgivingish 2005...
Here we are at Conor O'Neill's over a year ago...the last time I saw my dear friend...and now he's HOME!!!
Can't wait to see you, babe. I am so happy you're home.
