20 Years
Paul Steiger would have been 47 years old yesterday. The last time I saw Paul alive was 20 years ago last night. On his 27th birthday. He had decided to celebrate in Madison where I was living at the time. So out we went. I believe it might have been the very last time I was in the Nitty Gritty while someone got their birthday mug. Paul died in a car accident 10 days after his birthday. I remember the phone call from our mutual friend's wife who had been home when Paul's roommate started making phone calls to the people who knew him. Amy was crying and my disbelief was all I could hold on to as I tried to make sense of what she was saying. Paul was my best friend. He had been my good friend or best friend since we met in high school. I don't want to complain but it is much easier to find a best friend in high school than it is when you are a 20- or 30-something. The tiny crucible that is high school was far more conducive to the alchemy of friendships than this big vessel I'm in now. I miss him. I wish I could call him and wish him a happy birthday.