My best friend Steve is getting married this weekend. I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. Of course, I am enthralled that he is taking the next step in his life. Of course, I am ecstatic that he's found someone great, someone he rightly deserves, to spend the rest of his life with. Of course, I am overjoyed to be a part of the ceremony, to stand there next to him providing whatever support and congratulations I can. But I cannot shake this sense of loss. It has nothing to do with some sort of "now I'm not going to be able to spend as much time with him" drivel. The loss I feel is for youth. My youth. I just can't believe that I have grown so old that my best friend since the sixth grade is of the marrying age. When I look at him I still see the guy I went on high school skiing trips with, the guy whose quick hands saved my face from being bludgeoned by thrown objects at concerts, the guy who I went to every Special Edition Star Wars movie with on opening night. Many growing-up years have passed since he and I hung out every weekend, making trips to Sport Chalet when nothing else exciting was going on. I think the pangs of loss I feel are normal, and will probably grow stronger with each passing decade. And while I do miss the old times, I can't help but smile when I see my best friend now, happy and successful and on that difficult but rewarding road I know I will one day be bold enough to take. In the mean time I can't believe my great fortune that I get to witness the ceremony that brings the lives of these two wonderful people together. Congratulations Steve and Jessica on taking the next great step. May the union of your spirits enrich your lives forever.