life is like a box of chocolates...
Just kidding.

honestly, you never said WHY you stopped being friends with him in the first place.
Whatever the reason I will share with you part of my personal beliefs...
I think it is unrealistic to think anyone will be in your life forever. People enter your life for various reasons and some are only in your life a few hours, others a few months, some for years, and a very VERY few may be lifelong friends. I went to college with someone who I thought would be a lifelong friend but when he moved away I let him go. We talked on the phone every now and then but eventually I just stopped. Another friend of min moved away but e still keep in touch. Why? The first friend and I were drifting so i let it go, the second friend is still my friend, just in another state.
I don't want to be the type of person who talks to a lot of people but isn't close to any of them.
If someone is meant to be in your life they will be. If not, then they won't. I try to take life as it comes and be flexible. trying to mold life into something it isn't meant to be is a doorway to unnecessary pain and strife...
With all that said, I'm not suggesting you give up on your friend. I'm suggesting you open yourself up to the idea that maybe this is whats best for you.
To quote Lao Tzu:
Misfortune is what fortune leans on;
Fortune is here misfortune conceals itself.
Who can know the ultimate result?