An Unusual Friend

11-year-old Carter was a shy, quiet boy.

Because he was bright and studious, the other kids called him a nerd, and he often ate lunch alone.

Then one day, everything changed.

At the video arcade, he met an 11-year-old boy named Jimmy Ruggles, and the boys soon became close friends.

For Jimmy was outgoing and funny, and over the next 3-months, he brought out the best in Carter, as he encouraged Carter to laugh and to enthusiastically greet people.

He also taught Carter how to play soccer, and how to have fun. Soon Carter became very popular in school as everyone wanted to be his friend.

Each afternoon, he could hardly wait to see Jimmy, and tell him about his day. But one day Jimmy said, "I have to leave. You won't see me anymore."

"Why," said Carter. "Why do you have to leave, and where are you going?"

"I can't tell you," Jimmy replied. "But if you want to know more, please visit the registry desk at the local hospital. Give them my name and they'll  tell you."

The next day Carter went to the registry desk, and asked about Jimmy.

"Oh I remember Jimmy," the clerk replied as she smiled fondly. "What a wonderful boy he was."

"He was," asked Carter, puzzled by her response.. "Yes." She said. "Jimmy was born with leukemia and he lived to be 11. He died about 3-months ago."

As Carter left the hospital he thought about Jimmy, and tears began to trickle down his cheeks.

And then he thought about how happy he had been with Jimmy, and all that Jimmy had taught him that has made him so popular.

"Now I know why you were in my life Jimmy," Carter thought to himself. "And why it was time for you to go."

With a smile Carter spoke aloud, "Thank you my friend. I'll never forget you. Some day, when we meet again, I'll have a lot of good stories to tell you. In the meantime, bless you."

With Love To All ~ Dick

This story was in part inspired by the movie classic, "The Sixth Sense" (1999)