Every person I befriended in school and college has now died of assorted things from suicides to accidents to age-related diseases. I no longer have any friends close to my own age. The ones still alive are approximately 20 years younger than me or younger.
I never thought I’d outlive my oldest friends, the ones who’ve been there for me since I was a stupid and awkward pre-teen or teen, or emergent young adult. I never expected to die young, either, given my genetic make-up, but I did truly expect to grow old with these people – to have at least another decade or three with them.
The last of my childhood friends died yesterday. There’s no one left alive who was a child with me, no one with whom I can reminisce about the “old days”, no one who shared my teachers and professors and dreams.
I sat vigil over her death, as I’ve done for so many of my family and friends, and I’ll preside over her memorial service by her last wishes.
All the rest of you who are still alive – you’re all too young to die. So, you better not die while I’m still alive, you hear me?
