Throughout the course of our lives many friends come and go some we long
for others hardly ever cross our minds but how many of them can we truly
call a hero? my best friend is a true hero to me and maybe by the end of
this story you'll understand why. the purpose of this post is to prove
how very powerful friendship can be it is a long story though so bear
with me

About a month ago i met the guy who is now my best friend his name is
Eric, a 20 year old soldier who lives in Reading PA. Our paths crossed
completely by accident, you see I was looking for the only other friend
i had his name is Josh. He wasn't Josh but we got to talking and it
wasn't long before I was very fond of Eric he and i can talk about
anything mostly because he's in some ways just like me, emotionally
challanged. soon it became obvious that he really did understand and
respect me Now each day i had something to look forward to..another
conversation with him the mere thought brings a smile to my face. In
only a months time he has completely changed my outlook on life, you see
growing up my step-dad was both physically and emotionally abusive
towards me pretty much every day. whether it's admitted or not that kind
of thing really starts to mess with you so from a young age i felt like
a completely worthless object because that's what i was to my step-dad.
you may be wondering what all this has to do with Eric, the day i met
him i really just wanted my time on this earth to be over. we sat and
talked, this feeling of comfort and true understanding took hold as he
told me his story and how he was different too. As the days wore on I
realized just what a special bond we shared already. i told him as much
the next day. i thanked him over and over for all he has already given
me i learned that the gratitude went both ways. he needed someone like
me as much a i needed someone like him. tears just began to fall like
rain because never before has anyone said they appreciate my help it
meant so much more than words could ever even begin to describe. it also
showed me that this disability may actually be a gift rather than a
curse, yes every single day is a struggle but at the same time it allows
me to understand and help someone who has done a great deal for me and
for this country. today i am more sure than ever that if it hadn't been
for that mistake that day would've been my last. this experience has
opened my eyes to the fact that people really do show up for a reason.
obviously i still have work to do here and i have Eric to thank for
making me see that he truly is and forever will be...my hero he is the
only one i'd give my life for without a second thought

shy, wow! I am happy for you sweetie... and so sorry you had to go
through what you did... I hope things work out wonderfully for you!

inspirational, truly