Brian Fehler, this is a such a beautiful piece of writing. Thank you so much for sharing it on Medium. I’m not ashamed to admit that my cheeks are damp right now.

I just messaged a friend to tell him that I think this is the most compelling story I’ve read offline or on in quite a long time.

I felt in the scene with you every moment. You brought Joey and your younger self to vivid life.

I find myself remembering my own high school “boyfriend” and how neither of us was as brave as you were.

And Joey…

You must have been in incredible pain losing him. For a long time. I’m sorry.

Mostly, I’m sorry that he felt unable to face life. Our world is unfair and painful in too many ways sometimes.

I wish it didn’t have to be like that.

Jim