So something insane happened yesterday. It was totally a monumental moment this winter, i can safely say: redemption!

Flash back a decade to 1993. Grade 8, and for me it was Glenview Penitentiary, cell 7/8B. It was my old crew, which I now improperly just group them all as "high school friends" - some actually did move on to schools other than Lawrence Park, namely North Toronto C.I. or Northern Public School. One of my best buddies from elementary school to Glenview moved to Northern, and I completely lost touch with him.

Now, flash to 3 years ago, to fall 2001. I saw my friend in passing outside a local L.C.B.O. on St. Germain Ave. and Avenue Rd. I didn't realize until he said 'hi' to me. I was with a group of friends and so was he. I thought it was one of those 'hey man' and keep going, but he stopped for a sec to talk. I unfortunately kept going and it was just too late for me to stop. Before i knew what happened, i was already in the adjacent Blockbuster video and he was long gone.

Ever since I've been full of guilt, since I have never seen him since. The myth of this guy has been lingering over my head, and one of my best buddies has known of this about me for the last few years, too.. I have walked by this guy's house many times, wondering if he would be there, or at least get the guts to say hi to his mom. She would barely remember me, and after a little jogging of her memory i'm sure she'll think i'm not some random crazy kid :)

I've heard a few tidbits of this guy's whereabouts over the past few years, and it sounded really cool. From being an environmentalist and tree planting, to going to UofGuelph as of late.

Flash to the week of December 21st, and I was out at the local bar with some old friends. We were playing darts, and kept running into old grade school friends; some we liked seeing, some we kind of remembered "hey, isn't that big boob k---? oh what was her name!!", to the ones who were totally knew but had no intention of speaking with them.

After a few rounds of Darts and me losing horribly, we decided to go out Belly's, a local sub sandwich shop just around the corner. While standing there, again we were surrounded by more new generation LPers (my old high school) also having the same munchies after the bar...

Then, suddenly..

DUDLEY!

That's right, J. Dudley, an old best bud whom I've lost touch with for a DECADE now, is standing right behind us in line. Back in my elementary days we used to do everything, from going to the Organ Grinder for bdays, to our Sega Genesis infatuation, to introducing me to Magic: the Gathering, to sleepovers using my old descrambler to watch the old Viewer's choice PPV porn movies! (I could get more detailed and personal, but let's face it, innocent eyes could be reading this! -- and I know, TMI TMI!)

It was incredible. My friends and I went ballistic, and we became the assholes at the counter that night. But I didn't care! It was miraculous. I totally don't remember what happened or what was said, but i got his contact info and i hope to meet up with him later on this week. Can you believe this? Redemption! I will NOT let this opportunity pass up this time. I know that he'll be a totally different person from what i remember, but i know at least i can close off this loose end.. for good.

Funny, i do remember that he was totally tanked that night, and actually called and left a message on my phone at 3:41 a.m.!! My parents weren't too impressed, but after a bit of explaining they were a bit more sympathetic. :)

Yes, one more reason why I need to get a cell phone one day --Random phone calls!

Anyway, this is truly becoming a season of reconnections, if not anything else. Hopefully it will continue on the positive front, rather than any more drama or stress. Who knows what else will happen.. We'll see!

Take care,

RE

"Eat drink and be merry"