12 years and my heart still breaks

12 years ago today, one of my dearest friends, Blaine David Smith, passed away at age 15. It still breaks my heart to this day to not have him here with us. My son, Malachi Blaine, is named after my friend. Losing Blaine was my first real experience with death. I did not like it. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. Sometimes with smiles. Sometimes with tears. And sometimes, with a rueful laugh at the antics of small children. I miss you, Blaine. And I love you always. You're always with me in my memories.