I just know that I can state with absolute certainty that this world, in it's current sad state, has lost one of it's best people at a time when it needs people like him the most.
We met in seventh grade at South Seminole Middle School. I believe the year was actually 1982. I don't know why he befriended me, I was moody and 12, but he did. He also introduced me to another life long friend, Ken Cattafi, that year and my own personal three amigos was formed before the movie with the same name came out.
I tell people that Jose was my best friend, but my wording can be misleading if you don't understand my definition of the word. I have been blessed with many good friends in my life whom I consider my best friends. On my worst days I know that have good people who care about me and would help me in a heartbeat if I asked and I would do the same.
He is one of those truly rare people that everyone likes, because he is genuine and really cares about people. You can't fake that and people can tell if you are. This is why he was, and still is, loved by so many people.
I always tell the story about how we went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras one year and the first restaurant we went to we ran into someone who knew him. I just kept asking him "how is it we're in another freaking state and people still know who you are?!"
That past few years we have been different. We've had pretty much the exact interaction every time we see each other. He sees me and acts completely shocked that I actually got out of the house. He then gives me several minutes of grief about never seeing him. I then in turn would respond by telling him that once again he didn't tell me that he had been in the hospital again and give him several minutes of grief about it.
It's all just a dance of course, we're guys and we won't just say out loud that we love, miss and worry about each other.
This may seem like a self centered turn, but I am actually getting to a point. There are very few bonds in this life that mean this much. Many people are genuinely lucky to have a single friendship like this in a lifetime. When that person leaves us there is a deep gaping hole left in your soul that you don't think can ever be filled again.
I remember the last text he sent me "don't know why but hearing cult of personality and thought of you. Hello"
The last time I saw him, I told him that I loved him, I told him that I always miss him and that I now had proof that I was right to worry about him. I'm glad I said it.
It was all great memories, even the bad times, because I had a friend with me that I knew would always be with me. I was wrong about that. But his memory and friendship will always be with me. And I know he's in a better place now.
I still love him, still miss him, but I don't have to worry about him anymore.