A portrait of a friend.

My buddy, Charles Silk, when we visited New Zealand in 2018

Godfather.  Best man.  Buddy.  Partner in crime.  Target of Queen in Hearts.  Best friend.  These monikers all describe what Charles means to me.  A brother from another mother.

Everybody has one, guy or gal, a person that you can count on who is not related, with whom you have a deep connection and history.  We don't see each other often, maybe two or three times a year as we are 10 hours apart by car.  When together, there is no need for talk, although a deck of cards or game of Catan is appreciated.  

We have stuff in common.  Silliness, games, ping pong, camping, travelling, and interest in each other's lives.  During our youth we travelled to the Yukon, Texas, New Zealand, across Canada, and throughout BC together.  We know each other's kids and spouses well.  When trouble calls, we both make an effort to be there.  He was at my mom's funeral, at was at his mom's too.

A friend is someone you can be silly with or quiet with, you don't need words to know what is on the other's mind.  And you love being together.  A best friend does all this, well, best.  Redundant perhaps, but accurate.

Eric and Charles in Sedona, Arizona, 2013.

Here's to my buddy.  My friend.  My best friend.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com


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