It's not something you think much about when you're young, but as you get a little older, it becomes obvious that friends are going to pass away. It's just one of those "facts of life."
I recently learned of the passing of one who was easily my best friend when we were younger. Kim Newman and I met as music students at North Florida Junior College (NFJC). Kim had a way of making you feel that she was the best friend you had. I remember the first time I met her. It was the beginning of my sophomore year at NFJC. Kim showed up at a meeting of our Baptist Campus Ministries group. She played her guitar and sang for us and I was immediately taken with, not only her beauty (Kim was always a very pretty girl) and her gorgeous voice, but more so by her genuine personality. One could possibly expect that a young lady with the level of talent and beauty she possessed to be highly "unapproachable." But Kim was just the opposite. Kim was one of the friendliest people I have ever known. During the next year, Kim and I spent many hours rehearsing music, studying together and simply hanging out in the student union. We became very close friends. Once, my mom said to me, "You should date Kim." I told my mom that Kim and I were much too close as friends to do that. Besides, I had shared way too much of my "girl troubles" with Kim to try and date her. She knew all about every crush I had on just about every girl I knew.
Not surprisingly, Kim was a devout Christian. However, Kim had the ability to BE the love of Christ through her everyday interactions with anyone she encountered. She was a shining example of what I imagine Jesus meant when he said, "By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Even at a relatively early age, Kim lived her life as an example of how I think God wants us to treat each other.
Over the years, life led us into different directions. Eventually, Kim married an Air Force pilot she met while working at a radio station in Valdosta. I had the opportunity to meet John, Kim's husband, when they passed through Valdosta. I was working at the same radio station Kim had worked at when she and John stopped by for a visit. I enjoyed introducing myself to John as "one of Kim's old boyfriends." Kim shot me a "look" and without missing a beat, John responded with, "Nice to meet you, I'm Kim's current boyfriend." I immediately liked John. I made an attempt to visit about 10 years ago when John was stationed in Las Vegas and I was there on vacation. It didn't work out at that time, but thanks to social media, Kim and I were able to stay in touch from time to time.
I've heard it said that people may not remember what you say, but they will always remember how you made them feel. I reckon that's true, because whenever I think back on my friendship with Kim, I'll always feel loved. If you had the good fortune of knowing Kim, you know what I mean.