His First and Last Beer

I have countless memories of my best friend, C, but one that always

makes me smile is knowing he had his first—and his last—beer with me. C grew up with a

single mother in a rough part of Jersey City. She worked multiple jobs to keep the

lights on and food on the table for him and his younger sister. He became the “man

of the house” very early. I remember walking to his place during summer vacations

and he couldn’t come out because he had to mow the lawn, organize the shed,

or do chores. His mom kept him busy, but she almost always let me hang out

with him. We became best friends instantly. Back then, I felt bad for how