Brian's song

I can never think of or hear Chicago’s “If You Leave Me Now” without remembering my friend Brian.

He was in high school and I was in my late 20s when we met. I thought he was one of the funniest people I’d ever met. He made me laugh nearly every time I saw him. He was always doing some antic or saying something that would make me double over with laughter.

And he was so sweet. When I would feel discouraged, he always had some kind word to say.

I loved him and thought of him as a little brother.

I attended his class Project Graduation, an all-night party the night of graduation. Someone starting lip synching (karaoke hadn’t been invented) and others followed suit. I found Brian and “sang” “If You Leave Me Now” to him. Once song was done, I kissed his cheek.

He whooped in delight.

I never saw him again. I moved away shortly thereafter. That fall, 16 years ago, he was killed in a one-car accident. I still miss him.

This is for you, Brian.