Posted by Edward Boettcher on March 26, 2013:

I knew Peter Graff, maybe not the best, but aside from his family, I knew him the longest. To know him was to love him. Born only months apart and living just yards apart, we quickly became friends and did just about everything together. While young, our many common interests kept us close, but as we aged our respective paths began to deviate. Our interests were no longer mutual and neither was our circle of friends. He was goal-oriented and I was not. As middle school turned to high school, we became the proverbial "ships passing in the night". When we did cross paths though, we conversed like nothing had changed and neither was judged for the choices that kept us apart. I never told him how I respected, even envied his dedication to his studies. When he was accepted into West Point, despite his poor vision, I was proud, as proud as a brother would be for his sibling. I wished him well as our visits would go from weeks apart to months and then years. I bragged to my friends and family each time I heard of his promotions and his success in the JAG Unit. To this day, whenever a conversations' evolution permits, I tell them about Pete. His genuine interest in what was happening in my life never wavered and he always had encouraging words. On February 23rd of 03' I happened to be spending the night in a hotel only blocks from his Virginia home. I believe God saw to it that night that I would see him for what would be the last time. Pete and Colleen invited me for dinner after which he and I talked. I left him in what I thought was a good place. I failed to see his inner turmoil. Ten years ago tomorrow, I received the phone call that I will remember until the end of my days. Ten years have passed but the void he left remains. Ten years have passed and so much has happened in my life. I built two homes but suffered two divorces. The peak of this past decade was being blessed again with a 2nd child, this time a daughter, whom I adore, as I remember he adored Mary. In his honor, I joined the Knights of Columbus and currently stand a 3rd degree Knight. I do not get to church as often as I would like but when I think of him I pray he is watching over his loved ones as the Angel I believe he was destined to become. I miss you my friend and I hope to see you again someday.

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