An incomplete list of the things I wish I’d said to one of my best friends, as he lay dying from brain cancer.

• You have been a tried and true friend for more than 43 years, since we met in the dorms our freshman year. I’m truly grateful for our time together.
• We had so much fun over those 43 years – and most of it was probably legal. I will cherish the memories.
• My life is infinitely richer for having met you and having been befriended by you. I won the friendship lottery.
• You truly are one of the nicest people in the world. Your sincerity, your empathy, your complete lack of guile – such great gifts to bestow upon us.
• Your devotion to family is an example for all of us – a steadfast son, a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting “Pops” to your grandkids.
• You are so brave. Your courage in the face of soul-crushing, heart-breaking news, just a couple of months past your 60^th birthday, is admirable.
• You are so strong. Even while the cancer ravaged your brain and body, you stayed positive, stayed resilient. You lived out The Serenity Prayer:

• In your courageous — and serene — approach to your final chapter on earth, you taught all of us more about what really matters.
• I love you, brother.

What I actually said to one of my best friends, as he lay dying from brain cancer:

“I love you, brother.”

The latter will have to suffice. I’m not good at goodbyes.

Rest in peace and supreme happiness, my friend. You’ve earned your wings.

John Hadden. March 6, 1964 — November 15, 2025.