It must be hard to lose a childhood friend, even if it is a distance issue. I understand how it feels to know someone like that. When I was a child, even though there were always people around me, there were few who could understand me. Of those friendships, I still have one, who is now even a friend of my siblings and almost a son to my mother haha. What a pity that they have lost contact. Good story, my friend. Regards.
It's good that you're still friends with one of them. I was losing friends over time and I only had two friends with whom, to this day, we are still in contact. Greets and a hug.