The joy of life-long friendship

Posted by ku_78@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 6 comments

We kinda knew each other K-2. But when our public school closed down (no more boomer kids to fill them) we found ourselves as the new kids in the local Catholic school. We became instant best friends.

Saw ourselves transition together through the middle school years and through the Friday Night Lights of high school. Double dated at prom and survived a 3 week grad trip in Hawaii- couch surfing with relatives.

Lived together for a year until our paths diverted. But we never lost touch. We’re both 58 now. I’m fighting stage 4 prostate cancer and he’s out there raising money to fight this mindfuck of a disease. Here’s what he posted today. Not gonna lie, I cried a little.

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

https://gentlemansride.com/

May 17th 2026

♤

How many of us are lucky enough to have a childhood friend of over 50 years? As time passes they no longer are just "friends" but actual family. It's a blessing to share the experiences with someone from being a dumb kid, to a stupid teenager, to an immature adult, to a grumpy ass old man. And even though we may not see each other often, but when we do, we revert right back to that silly child again.

So, when something unfortunate happens to one family member it happens emotionally to the other. And that's why I ride the DGR event, to bring awareness for mens prostate research and mental health. I wish I could do more for you [Ku_78], but your fatass won't fit on the back of my bike during this event. Cheers to our friendship my bruddah and I know you'll get through this.

♤

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Kodiak01@reddit

My childhood "best friends" all turned on me in later years. Whether it was turning into a bully or trying to convince my wife to have an affair with them, they can all go fuck themselves.

I DO have two true "Friends" that I found in my late teens and early 20s, one of 29 years, the other 35. We've stayed connected even when we're apart; when we do have the chance to get back together, it was like we never left. I trust them completely.

ku_78@reddit (OP)

I’m glad this story has a good ending

armorabito@reddit

I am lucky enough for my oldest friendship to turn 50 this year. We are still close and the only fishing buddies we have. When trout season opens we revert back to a version of our 8y.o selfs , excited by the season and what may come. We supported each other through two divorces and the highs and lows of life. We both have insane EX's ( his bipolar, mine a drunk) and compare notes to laugh at the madness. He is , at this point, my brother.

howaboutanothergame@reddit

Have done the DGR in the past - not riding this year but supporting others in their fundraising including Dutched Shed Builds.

I know two people close to me with stage 4 cancers.

DGR are an amazing charity supporting men’s physical and mental health.

I hope you are doing ok.

Treatment is showing positive results! Kicks my ass every day, but worth it.

Ray_The_Engineer@reddit

Celebrate that friendship, my friend, and best of luck!

The closest I have is a neighborhood friend that I met in 1979. We were really tight back then, drifted in and out a little during college, but were always friends and at least somewhat in touch. In the early '90's we both settled in Charlotte again, and we started backpacking together. We wound up being godfathers to each other's kids, and then finally working at the same company. It's odd to fire up a Teams meeting, and there's Jeff, my partner in crime from childhood. I treasure it.