Unconditional Love-The Story of Friendship

I saw him on the subway and we instantly recognized each other. We haven't seen each other in a few years and immediately we were catching up on old times. He was a friend outside my close circle of friends and he was known for being such a sweet person. He was also known for his scars, as he has burns on his face and hands. His burns are not just on the third layer of his skin but have also caused some disfiguring. He is shorter than the average male, a great speaker and sees life in such a beautiful way.

I thought of him today as his life is so inspirational. We had known each other for a few years and one day when we were talking about life, school, immigration, cooking, latest headlines, etc. I had been curious of how he was burned and decided to ask him. He was more than willing to tell me. He said he was best of friends with a guy he called his brother. They grew up together in his country. They shared many good times and he shared a few of them with me. One day there was a fire in his friends house where they were eating. He spoke of it as sudden and that it was a very large fire that ran quickly throughout the house. They tried to put it out themselves.

He said he could not breathe and ran out thinking his friend was right behind him but he wasn't. At this point it was too dangerous to go back in but he went back thinking I cannot live while my friend dies. He went back in and dragged his friend out. He suffered burns on his body while his friend was unharmed by the fire. Eventually they made it to the states some time later and they kept in contact. His friend always asks for forgiveness as well as continually thanks him for saving his life. He told me he always responds, "Would you stop it. It's no big deal. You're alive and that's what matters." I dared to ask if he had any regrets to which he said, "No. I would do it again even though I know I would have been burned.

Of course I was just amazed by his life. He had such a hard time dating and always wanted a family. He stayed as a single guy for more than ten years after he finished school. Many people tried to match make for him but no prospective bride. It may have been when he was 35-40 years of age when he met this young beauty. I still don't know how they met but she must have seen the catch that he is and they are now married with two children. I was so happy for him as many people were. I was even invited to the wedding. It was beautiful and he was all smiles. I remember thinking, "If he would sacrifice his life for his best friend, what will he do for her?"