I graduated from a small private high school ten years ago. With only 54 people in my graduating class it isn’t too difficult staying in touch with most of them. There is probably only 1 degree of separation between us all as has been evident over the last week.

A few days ago we lost a classmate, a teammate, and a friend. In many ways we lost a member of the family.

At visitation last night I saw familiar faces, exchanged handshakes and hugs, and swapped stories that seemed to have happened a lifetime ago.

In about an hour I’ll make the drive back to Garland for the funeral. A few of us are gathering for lunch before hand. More hugs and more stories, tears and laughter.

I feel honored to still be somewhat connected to the lives of this small group of people.

We have welcomed new wives and husbands into the group. We have welcomed sons and daughters. Last night I was able to hold a new baby boy, less than 24 hours old, of two of these friends. Even friends of friends have been added to our number.

But today is a day of saying goodbye.