1978 - I was 5 and he was 4, we played together because that's what you do at 5 and 4. In the backyard, breeze blowing, watched by my grandparents.
1992 - I was 17, he was 16. My parents worried, me confused, he was in the hospital for having self-destructing thoughts. He wouldn't talk to me, look at me.
1996 - I was 23, he was 22. Both of us students, neither of us talking. If asked, I'm not sure that we even knew each other's telephone numbers.
2004 - I was 30, he was 29. He came to my wedding, with his girlfriend, but I don't remember talking to him.
2008 - I was 34, he was 33. I ironed his suit, he gave me a hug. I stood at his wedding, his girlfriend now his wife, and witnessed both their wedding and his happiness. He thanked me for my help. I glowed with pride. We hugged goodbye.