Draft 1
Jonathan Spoerl
English 100
1st Draft
Leaving Larry
Throughout my life, I have always been the life of a party. I have always had people around me who enjoyed my infectious personality and appreciated my sense of humor. But, I have also learned that you cannot trust everyone because people can take you for granted. Despite the acquaintances who have wrong me in the past, I have always had true friends who supported me through it all. I am not saying that I am the poster child for friendship by any means, but I can confidently say that I know that my closest friends will always have my back. One friend who has been there for me in my lows and my highs is Larry. Now let me make this very clear, I have made very bad decisions, many of them have been with Larry, but he is a wholesome human being with a heart of gold. Until recently, I have never realized how much of an intricate role Larry has played in my life, up until he dropped a bomb on me.
Three weeks ago Larry and I were sitting in a diner, which was pretty standard for us on a hungoverSunday afternoon, when he received a call. When he looked at his phone, I felt his entire demeanor change. Larry has a smile that breaks girls hearts and a happy-go-lucky personality, but on the phone he was stern and could not even crack the slightest smile. Based on his actions, I knew something was serious, but I didn’t know what it could possibly be. As he excused himself from the table, I heard him say “Yes, Sir”. I have known Larry for almost a decade now and I have never heard him utter those words. But, I didn’t want to look too deep into it, so I kept eating my bacon, egg, and cheese. When he came back to the booth ten minutes later I knew that he had something important to tell me.
Previously, Larry attended college, but he dropped out because school had not provided him with the best structure. Since we have both been home, we have obviously gravitated toward each other and hang out constantly. So when we sat in that booth and he said to me, “I need to tell you something and I really hope you support me”, I knew that this had to be serious, especially after his mysterious phone call. I obviously said to him that I would be supportive in whatever he was doing because I know Larry would never go out of his way to make a poor decision. He then revealed to me something I was not expecting, Larry was enlisting in the Marines. At first I did not know what to say, but after Larry tried selling me on his life-changing opportunity, I said congratulations because I truly was proud of him. Although, the next thing on my mind was how long he had until leaving for basic training because at this point I knew that Larry leaving was going to be inevitable. As reality was beginning to sink in, he told me that he had all summer until he needed to leave. Larry’s enlisting took me by surprise, but I am so proud of him for stepping up and doing what he feels is right. During this time that I have left with him, I know that I need to make the most of this time.
Recently, more than ever before, I have been inseparable with Larry. I have a new respect for him and our friendship. I honestly just want to make the greatest memories while I have him here. One of the best times and fondest memories that I will keep with Larry was when we went to Penn State the weekend after he told me the news. Since so many of our close friends attend State, it is always a good time. The drive there was fast because we could not wait to get there and start partying with our best friends to celebrate Larry’s commitment to the Marines. Once we were there, it was the ultimate guy’s night out. We started pregaming in our friends’ room, which was conveniently located in the house that was throwing a huge party. We were playing the songs that reminded us of the simple times of high school and reminisce on all the reckless times we have all had together. It couldn’t have been more perfect; people that I love surrounding me, and me fully realizing how fortunate I am to have these great guys in my life, especially Larry. Later we went downstairs, it was like a classic scene out ofAnimal House, all I remember was looking at Larry and saying “I love you, man. These next few months have to be the best ones yet”. Larry looked back at me, smiled, and said “I wouldn’t want it any other way”. That night at Penn State was one of the craziest nights of our lives, the shenanigans we got into were too explicit. Although there are many unmentionables to our wild night, Larry and I will hold that night as one to put down in our history book. But, if there was one thing I would say about that time, its that I have never been so appreciative to have such a supportive friend by my side.
I cannot explain Larry Conroy simply, in fact, there are no amount of words that will truly do him justice. The many memories that I have shared with him are ones that I will never forget. I want only the best for Larry, and the United States’ Marine Corps will soon realize that too. Most importantly, I have learned that each day with the people you care about most should not be taken for granted. I never thought that the people closest to me could leave abruptly without knowing if they would ever come back. But, when Larry leaves, I cannot say how I will react or how I will try to fill his void. All I know is that friendship should be nurtured and appreciated, which is what I plan to do until Larry leaves.
English 100
1st Draft
Leaving Larry
Throughout my life, I have always been the life of a party. I have always had people around me who enjoyed my infectious personality and appreciated my sense of humor. But, I have also learned that you cannot trust everyone because people can take you for granted. Despite the acquaintances who have wrong me in the past, I have always had true friends who supported me through it all. I am not saying that I am the poster child for friendship by any means, but I can confidently say that I know that my closest friends will always have my back. One friend who has been there for me in my lows and my highs is Larry. Now let me make this very clear, I have made very bad decisions, many of them have been with Larry, but he is a wholesome human being with a heart of gold. Until recently, I have never realized how much of an intricate role Larry has played in my life, up until he dropped a bomb on me.
Three weeks ago Larry and I were sitting in a diner, which was pretty standard for us on a hungoverSunday afternoon, when he received a call. When he looked at his phone, I felt his entire demeanor change. Larry has a smile that breaks girls hearts and a happy-go-lucky personality, but on the phone he was stern and could not even crack the slightest smile. Based on his actions, I knew something was serious, but I didn’t know what it could possibly be. As he excused himself from the table, I heard him say “Yes, Sir”. I have known Larry for almost a decade now and I have never heard him utter those words. But, I didn’t want to look too deep into it, so I kept eating my bacon, egg, and cheese. When he came back to the booth ten minutes later I knew that he had something important to tell me.
Previously, Larry attended college, but he dropped out because school had not provided him with the best structure. Since we have both been home, we have obviously gravitated toward each other and hang out constantly. So when we sat in that booth and he said to me, “I need to tell you something and I really hope you support me”, I knew that this had to be serious, especially after his mysterious phone call. I obviously said to him that I would be supportive in whatever he was doing because I know Larry would never go out of his way to make a poor decision. He then revealed to me something I was not expecting, Larry was enlisting in the Marines. At first I did not know what to say, but after Larry tried selling me on his life-changing opportunity, I said congratulations because I truly was proud of him. Although, the next thing on my mind was how long he had until leaving for basic training because at this point I knew that Larry leaving was going to be inevitable. As reality was beginning to sink in, he told me that he had all summer until he needed to leave. Larry’s enlisting took me by surprise, but I am so proud of him for stepping up and doing what he feels is right. During this time that I have left with him, I know that I need to make the most of this time.
Recently, more than ever before, I have been inseparable with Larry. I have a new respect for him and our friendship. I honestly just want to make the greatest memories while I have him here. One of the best times and fondest memories that I will keep with Larry was when we went to Penn State the weekend after he told me the news. Since so many of our close friends attend State, it is always a good time. The drive there was fast because we could not wait to get there and start partying with our best friends to celebrate Larry’s commitment to the Marines. Once we were there, it was the ultimate guy’s night out. We started pregaming in our friends’ room, which was conveniently located in the house that was throwing a huge party. We were playing the songs that reminded us of the simple times of high school and reminisce on all the reckless times we have all had together. It couldn’t have been more perfect; people that I love surrounding me, and me fully realizing how fortunate I am to have these great guys in my life, especially Larry. Later we went downstairs, it was like a classic scene out ofAnimal House, all I remember was looking at Larry and saying “I love you, man. These next few months have to be the best ones yet”. Larry looked back at me, smiled, and said “I wouldn’t want it any other way”. That night at Penn State was one of the craziest nights of our lives, the shenanigans we got into were too explicit. Although there are many unmentionables to our wild night, Larry and I will hold that night as one to put down in our history book. But, if there was one thing I would say about that time, its that I have never been so appreciative to have such a supportive friend by my side.
I cannot explain Larry Conroy simply, in fact, there are no amount of words that will truly do him justice. The many memories that I have shared with him are ones that I will never forget. I want only the best for Larry, and the United States’ Marine Corps will soon realize that too. Most importantly, I have learned that each day with the people you care about most should not be taken for granted. I never thought that the people closest to me could leave abruptly without knowing if they would ever come back. But, when Larry leaves, I cannot say how I will react or how I will try to fill his void. All I know is that friendship should be nurtured and appreciated, which is what I plan to do until Larry leaves.