On August 5th, 2013 - a friend and former classmate of mine Kistian Harris passed away in his sleep. He was only 41 years old. We went to Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx, NY. The same esteemed school in which Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor attended and graduated from in 1971.
I learned about Kistian's death when I received a phone call the following Tuesday evening. The call came from also a former classmate and dear friend - Nicole Tatum. Of course it was posted on his Facebook page, but both Nicole and I had somehow missed the announcement. I knew when my friend Nicole called it had to be something important. Neither her nor I seen each other in about two years, when we celebrated our 40th Birthdays. Nicole was a long time friend of Kistian but the relationship went sour over something minute.
The last time I seen Kistian was around 2008 when we were preparing for our 20th High School Reunion. We met up with another former classmate - Melanie and of course Nicole. We met up on 42nd Street at Dave & Busters for some dinner and drinks, and maybe some games. It was slightly raining that evening, but I was so excited to meet up with my old pals I have not seen in over 20 years. I happened to meet both Nicole and Kistian in that big train terminal. I remember we were looking for the elevators - which were not working - we decided to find the nearest exit up the stairs to the street. As Nicole and I dashed up the stairs, Kistian took his time and struggled up the stairs. Nicole then informed me secretly, that in Kistian's backpack was an oxygen tank! Of course to my dismay and shock, I did not ask why or how. All I can recall was my mind racing and I thinking to myself that I need to STOP smoking! We proceeded to Dave & Busters, found our former classmates, and reminisced about our high school dayz.
It was also this same evening that Kistian was the one who convinced me to log into Facebook and reconnect with some other former classmates online. Sometime that summer again, we met up in the Village and went to Calientes. Nicole came with two of her friends and as we waited for Kisitan who took too long, we decided to decided to proceed with dinner. Two hours later as we exited the restaurant, Kistian showed up. No excuses needed. All we could do is laugh - how could any of us be mad. I gave him my Calientes souvenir glass and reassured him I already had a collection. The excitement and look on his face was priceless!
I never realized that would be the last time I would see him!? He never made it to our 20th Reunion because he did not have the $85 fee for the dinner. I wish I had paid for his ticket...
On his Facebook page:
The last time I seen you was in 2008 which was almost 19 years since our HS graduation. And we picked up right where we left off - joking and snapping at one another! When I received a call from a fellow classmate telling me you passed away I wanted to cry. But knowing how we always laughed with each other, I smile instead - thinking of all the fun times we had - (esp. our Senior Trip) ....Never got a chance to tell you how much you made me laugh - Love you Brother Kistian Harris! I'll see you in my sleep...
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