Thinking of Jamil reminds me of childhood. Growing up I moved around a bit and switched schools a number of times. It was always hard for me to make friends and even to this day, I only have a handful of true blue friends. Jamil is one of them. The first time we hung out we were at some after party or listening event and he was sitting up on an embankement dancing to the music. Our eyes met and he told me that I was beautiful. He didn't say it to get in my pants or anything like that. He said it because he meant it. It felt pretty damn good to hear and I was hooked on his smile from that moment on. Over the years, 14 to be exact we have butted heads, shared intimate life details, vented about our families, broke bread, traveled together and bonded in ways I've never bonded with anyone else. He's my "negro" and I love him.
Knowing that i'm not going to ever go visit Jamil in Brooklyn or that we may not hit West Neck beach kind breaks my heart. I know we'll see each other again and we'll stay socially and technologically connected but thinking about it just doesn't feel the same. At any rate, I wanted to post something that will last forever in print just like my love for him will last forever in my heart. I'm so grateful to call him my friend and I wish him nothing but love, happiness and success in Cali!!