“Heroes” — David Bowie

For Hunter Hinkle.

While I was in jail, I lost one of my dearest friends, Hunter Hinkle.

We had been best friends for a very long time. Some friendships become part of your history so completely that you almost forget there was ever a world before that person was in it. Hunter was part of mine.

One night, while I was locked away, Hunter visited me in a dream.

I woke up carrying that experience with me. I made a phone call to another friend, and that was when I learned Hunter had died a few days earlier.

I still don’t know exactly how he died. I won’t pretend to understand everything about that night, either. But I believe it was a spiritual experience. To me, it felt like a visit from a friend I hadn’t known I needed to say goodbye to.

Grief is strange when you’re behind bars. The world keeps moving, people you love are gone, and you’re left trying to hold something that your hands cannot reach.

So today, I’m giving Hunter a little space here.

The song is “Heroes.”

Because when I think about that word today, I think about friendship. About the people whose place in your life survives distance, years, silence, and even the news you never wanted to hear.

Hunter, you were my friend. A real part of my life. Whatever time passed between us, that belongs to us forever.

I wish I could have picked up the phone and heard your voice instead. I wish there had been another afternoon, another conversation, another chance to remember who we were together.

Thank you for being part of my story. Thank you for the friendship I still carry.

“Memory eternal,” as the Church says.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4

Tonight, I’m remembering you with love, gratitude, and a song.

Rest in peace, Hunter.

With love,
JC