back when in my youth just before I turned 21 two guys at the office pushed me to get my pistol permit. One of the guys Joe really elevated my love of firearms. Before I met Joe I was content with my .22's a Remington 870, a few bolt action Mossberg 12 gauge's and a Remington 760 in .308. Joe took me to the range and handed me a Browning High Power, a Colt Trooper and a S&W .45. That day changed my life. I got my permit and my pre ordered S&W 4006 showed up and I had the bug big time. We would travel to gun shops and often Joe would spot me the cash for my new loves. A Beretta 92FC, S&W 41, S&W K17. Also when he grew bored with a handgun or new I had grown fond of one of his he would give me a great deal. The two that come to mind are my Desert Eagle .357 and Calico 9mm. We had a great time shooting a few times a week after work. Eventually he left his job, my life went to shit and I couldnt afford to shoot anything but practice rounds for my carry gun. We would occasionally bump into each other at Dunkin Domuts or when he would drive by my old ladies house. We would talk of making plans to shoot but my schedule always seems to busy for planned outings. Well a few weeks ago I was meeting a salesman for lunch at the mexican joint next to Dunkin Donuts and Joe spotted my truck and pulled up. I was shocked to see a bottle of oxygen on his seat. Among a host of health issues he had developed COPD. He explained that he had about 6 months left. I was floored. Anyhow we continued to talk and eventually got around to shooting. I told him he would be quite impressed at what I gathered over the years since we last shot. I told him about the websites and such. He smiled very approvingly. Unfortunately I had to go but I told him I would stop and talk guns during the holidays. Sadly I never got the opportunity. Funny Im now pretty close to the age he was when we met. Note to self: Make time for people and dont put things off because you just never know