Monday, 12 April 2010
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Old Friends....
We saw each other countless times during the day- sometimes for all three meals, and it never occurred to me that the time would come when it would be years, nearly decades, between our times together. I knew how they reacted to nearly every simuli- the weather, bad cafeteria food, a worrisome report or project, a final, visits or letters from home, and breakups and makeups. They are the few people in life who call me by my real name. They are lifelong friends. I never thought we'd do life separately, that our kids would barely know each other and that we would barely know each others kids. How did this happen? How did life take us on such different paths? Our time together this weekend was too short. We hardly caught up and began to know each other again. We barely finished one conversation.
As we drove away, it hit me hard. I was unprepared for being without them in my life at 21 and all these years later, I still need them in my life. I long for the days when we bumped into each other so frequently, when we appeared in the same place, when we always had someone who would listen to us and take us seriously, when we were all together... all the time. It took us over a year to find time to drive up this weekend and I worry about how long it will before we are together again.
We took so much for granted back then. Life was this long unseen path that didn't look scary. We would venture down it together, like Dorothy and Toto and her friends, and never have to walk it alone. We'd encounter bad trees and evil witches, but we would throw apples and dash water and escape- together.
We believed in life together. It was more than an unrealistic ideal- it was life lived.... and now, looking back, I think we were right. We just didn't know what to do when our paths went seperate ways. Parts of our hearts and souls remained with the other when we left and it always feels right to be reunited again. I am a better person when I'm with friends who know me inside out and who have a lifetime of history with me. I am a better human when I remember that the people I chose to love will be loved by me for the rest of my life- even when they leave too early. I am grateful that friendship can surpass time, disease, location, and failures. And I no longer take for granted that what I have today will be with me tomorrow.
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Comments (12)
Jerita, the post you wrote is beautiful. Is it enough to reply that your visit was a blessing? I am in a better place because the two of you were here. I remember when we were young adults and referred to ourselves and others as "intentional family." I am going to pray that God helps us bring that same intentionality back to us. We live closer together now than we have in 25 years.
Much has changed in the last two decades; but, we are each essentially the same. I told some online friends before you came that you and Morris are gold, as in, "Make new friends but keep the old. . ."
Now, I believe, I should have referenced a more precious metal.
Much love,
Gayla (btw, you left your Coleman ; D )
@gayla42 - bring it when you come down! :) can you imagine life w/o each other? i can't! families of the heart- that's what i think friendship like ours is called! :) loved being with you guys again! grateful for the opportunity to do so!
@POETIC_ISIS - yep- it's from Antalope Canyon in Arizona- one of the world's most professionally photographed places! thanks!
@AprilsPlace - i tend to not go that far! :)
@SammyStorm2 - i think i've discovered that it's ok if paths diverge and we have little in common anymore. there is still something special about old bonds... and you're right- time apart can drive ppl apart too!