A friendship like no other

A proud moment in our friendship

Steve and I have been friends for years. We knew each other well in high school, but it was my first time through college where we really became friends. We had fun together, most of which I won't write about due to fear of self incrimination.We have stayed best friends through more than I can describe. After graduation Steve moved away. He moved to Las Vegas to work in his families restaurant. We continued to talk oh-be it not consistently (mostly my fault) we would talk. He would call ask for updates on my life, and I would ask for updates on his. On one such phone call I was informed he was having troubles out there. In terms of this post it doesn't matter what the troubles were, just that they were sending him home. Back to where we had originally met. As selfish as it may sound it made me smile. I missed my best friend I wanted him back in my life on a more consistent basis. Fast forward a  few months. Steve is home. He is working in a fine dinning restaurant in the city having to live with his dad 20 something miles away, with no car. His dad would drive him in and nag him about bring in his late 20's and having to get a ride from his dad. Sometimes I would go pick him up and drop him off. It got to be a bit much. I had an apartment, I loved the kid, there was a place for another bed, "Steve just move in" I said.... "I can't afford it, I am broke" he said. My response required no thought, "Who said anything about paying for the place". Steve continued to live with me rent free for 5-6 months. He got back on his feet. He is doing very well for himself now. I learned an immense amount of things about our relationship from him living with me. Not only did I learn that I would do anything for him, but I also learned that the feeling is mutual. There have been numerous times where he would/will drop everything he is doing to come help me out. When I ask there is that same no thought response by him. "What do you need? I got you" No questions, no hope for getting something in return, just a friend being a friend for friends sake. I feel it is very rare to find a true best friend. I am one of the lucky ones. I have found one. It is an amazing feeling to know you have someone that you can unconditionally count on. For that I am grateful.