LAVEEN VILLAGE, Ariz. — There is precisely one reason — or maybe two of them — for my wife and I to visit this suburb of Phoenix.

It would be to get caught up with an old and dear friend and to meet his wife, who instantly became a friend as well.

I’ve known Ed Loos for 55 years. We worked together as high school boys at McDonald’s Hamburgers in Portland, Ore. I left that job in August 1968 to be inducted into the U.S. Army. I came home two years later and lost touch with Ed.

Then I met the girl of my dreams the following January. We got married and we invited Ed to our wedding.

My memory is foggy, but I believe that was the last time we saw Ed. After that glorious day 51 years ago, he went about living his life and we embarked on our own life journey.

Now we have reconnected and I find myself filled with joy at being able to get caught up with all that has transpired in our respective lives. Man, it’s been a hell of a journey for both of us.

I long have believed that most of us have few actual “friends.” Ed Loos has filled that role for me for the past five-plus decades. His wife, Colleen, has eased nicely into that role as well for my bride and me.

Those long-ago days working, laughing and carrying on the way kids have done since the beginning of time came rushing into our memory banks.

I am not sure whether all this is worth sharing. I find myself yearning to break away from the stresses of public policy and the headaches associated with contemporary politics.

So, having done that with this visit with one of my dearest friends on Planet Earth, I simply feel the need to share it here.

Life is so very good.

johnkanelis_92@hotmail.com