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ST. GEORGE — It's been said a true friend is the greatest of all blessings. That is certainly true for Justin Tuft of St. George, who's best friend, Shawn Patten, has been by his side through many of life's difficulties.
Shawn and Justin have been best friends since the seventh grade when they met in English class.
"I thought he was awesome 'cause he was shy just like I was," Justin said.
"We didn't have too many friends, so we just joined up together," Shawn said.
And together they remained — through parents divorces and other disappointments.
He struggles a little bit with the things we take for granted; so he needs a little assistance, and I'm more than happy to help him.
–Shawn Patten
"We've been through a lot together, and I'd say he's there for me a lot more than I'm there for him," Shawn said.
Justin was at Shawn's side during his wedding, and he stayed by Shawn's side when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2004.
Then on Sept. 7, 2006, it was Shawn's turn to make a difference.
"(Justin) left our house, and about a mile and a half from our house he was struck head-on on his motorcycle," Shawn said. "I just remember getting the call from my wife, well it was actually a text saying '911 Justin's been hurt.'"
Justin was in a Las Vegas hospital and given a 1 percent chance of survival.
"I couldn't imagine not having him in my life, with everything that we had gone through. It was just a scary, dark time," Shawn said.
But after two months in a coma, Justin slowly began his journey back to life.
"I remember those times where you'd get a squeeze of a hand and a wink of an eye, and it would just make your day," Shawn said.
Now Shawn is by Justin's side helping him learn to walk again, even feeding him since Justin's hands are still too shaky.
"He struggles a little bit with the things we take for granted; so he needs a little assistance, and I'm more than happy to help him," Shawn said.
"Theirs is one of the best friendships I've ever seen, because they were just always together," said Kim Lake, Justin's mother.
And they plan to keep it that way. Shawn, an architect from South Jordan, sees Justin in St. George whenever possible.
"I think it's so amazing to have an awesome friend like Shawn," Justin said. "To know that I have a friend who's willing to be there for me has just made life so incredible.
Justin continues extensive therapy, and he said his dream is to run the St. George marathon in 2016 — something he did before his accident.
If he makes his goal, there's no doubt Shawn will be running right by his side.
