[Varon]

and I
was going to Duke.

I knew that we would always befriends, that the miles would never be a problem.

Hewas going to be a doctor, and I was going for businesson a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class.

I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech forgraduation.

I was so glad it wasn't me having t o get up there andspeak

Graduation day, I saw Kyle.

He looked great.

Hewas one of those guys that really found himself during highschool.

He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.

He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.

Boy, sometimes I was jealous.
!
Today was one of those days.

I could see that he wasnervous about his speech.

So, I smacked him on the backand said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!"

He looked at mewith one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.

" Thanks," he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, andbegan

"Graduation is a time to thank those who helpedyou make it through those tough years.

Your parents,your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostlyyour friends...

I am here to tell all of you that being a
friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.

I am going to tell you a story."

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met.

He had planned to killhimself over the weekend.

He talked of how he hadcleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to doit later and was carrying his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

"Thankfully, I was saved.

My friend saved me fromdoing the unspeakable."

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popularboy told us all about his weakest moment.

I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that samegrateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions.

Withone small gesture you can change a person's life.

Forbetter or for worse.

God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one anotherin some way.

Look for God in others.