Pete's Road Trip

Two weeks ago my friend Pete decided to take a road trip without me. If you're like me, you're probably thinking some friend right? I guess it goes to show you that like most friendships, we too were total opposites.

In our teen years, Pete was always there for my major sports accomplishments. For example, when we went to team camp at High Point University he and I won the 2 on 2 competition for the first time, together. A few years later we won the North Carolina State 3-A Basketball Title, and in my sophomore year of college he was in the stands when I scored my first collegiate touchdown. He and our mutual friend Johnny were going nuts. I celebrated so hard that Lamont Burns had to slap me so that we could kick the extra point.

Pete was like a little brother to me. So like any other sibling relationship, I would have never told him that he was my motivation for my many athletic accomplishments. It's a part of the unspoken sibling code, worry your brothers, sisters and close friends to no end without telling them that you care. For anyone who's reading this, you'd be a fool to live by that code after reading this blog.

All of what I'm saying sounds like normal friends stuff right? Here's the obvious twist, Pete had cancer. The 2 on 2 championship was the last one that we played in together. He never made it onto the court for the state championship game. He was in remission when he came down to hang out with Johnny and I for the football games.

Pete, was the poster child for inspiration, hope, dedication and most importantly brotherhood. For 15 plus years my friend took me on a journey that only an angel could. Pete's road trip was special. He never complained. He never allowed anyone to feel sorry for him. He was your number one fan even when the stands were empty. If the world had more Pete's living would be a cake walk. FYI, before "Pete" took his road trip, he knew that he was more than my motivation.

Below are a few images of my last journey with Pete. I'm glad his flight will be smoother than the one I was on flying back to Baltimore.

Jeffrey Allen Wilson "Pete"