“If you had a friend you knew you’d never see again, what would you say? If you could do one last thing for someone you love, what would it be? Say it, do it, don’t wait. Nothing lasts forever.”

One Tree Hill is one of my favorite shows. It’s one that I turn to time and again when I need something familiar, something comforting when I’m having a day. So it’s all too fitting that this quote came to mind today, on Andy’s birthday.

I wish I had known when I saw Andy on his birthday in 2023 that it would be the last time. I would’ve stayed to take in the evening just a little longer, laughed just a little louder, and listened just a little closer. I would have made that last hug a little tighter. And while I’m sure that he knew, I would’ve told Andy how grateful I was to have him in my life, how lucky I was to have him as my friend, and how much I absolutely adored and loved him.

I’m thinking about you and missing you especially hard today, my friend. Happy birthday.