Love Him Like a Brother

I met him my first week at my new job (14 years ago). To look at us, it's hard to believe two such different people could become such good friends. He grew up as a military brat and I was raised in a middle class Jewish family. He has the tendency to speak his mind, to the point of being crass and offensive. My boss called me the employee who gets along with everyone, doesn't rock the boat, the one everyone gets along with. Yet he and I have not only worked together side by side, on and off for 14 years but have become friends. Even during lay-off periods we have made a point to stay in touch through texts and social media. When I came back after an 18 month layoff and another job, I realized I missed seeing him daily and our conversations. Over the years, two unlikely people formed a friendship and I love him like a brother.