Today is coming to a close in an unexpected fashion, with the news that an old friend has passed away. Mike Cole was one of the first people I remember knowing after I moved to Show Low when I was 6 years old. We were friends throughout our time in school, especially when were in CCD and CYO together. Along with Joe Prust, we were the Three Catholic Musketeers for years. I remember spending the night at Mike's house a few times. We annoyed his sister, Tricia, and wandered around Fools Hollow, even at night. I wasn't as close to Mike as I was years ago, and I was never as close as many of my old Show Low friends were, but Mike was my friend.
I have lost family members, even recently. I have lost people I looked up to and even idolized. I have been there with friends when they were grieving their losses, and I have watched as my role models growing up have left this life. This is the first time anyone I ever considered a close friend has passed away, however. I can't say I am dealing with it well, although there isn't a particularly good way to deal with loss. I miss the people I grew up with, I miss the life I lived when Mike and I were friends, and tonight I am missing Michael James Cole. Rest in peace, my friend.
