Michael Wayne Simmons, aka, Mikey was my cousin and my first best friend. We were born just a few months apart and lived 15 minutes apart for a good part of our lives. I can remember him getting into trouble every day for coming to my house after school instead of going home. We climbed trees, rode horses. and played in the mud together. We were thick as thieves and there was nothing, we would not do for one another. When we were in elementary school his family moved to Indiana. We were devasted. I remember the day he left like it was yesterday. I cried and cried. I thought it was the worst day of my life. We wrote letters and sent cards often. I would either spend my summers there or he would spend his simmer in Arkansas with me. One summer I saw changes in him. Drugs were taking over his life and he had new best friends. Again, I thought this was the worst day of my life. Little did I know what just seemed like a few short years later it would truly be one of the hardest days of my life. I was at work, and I remember clearly getting the call saying my best friend was gone. He had passed away. I would never get to see or talk to him again. The drive to Indiana seemed like it took a lifetime. Walking into his how was the most torturous thing ever. My best friend was taken from me too soon and I still do not understand why this had to happen. I will forever be grateful for all our times together and the fun we had but it will never be enough. I will miss him always.
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