Thursday, August 19, 2010
27 years is a long time when you're only 36 and friendships that last that long are as precious as they are rare. Today I had the privilege of visiting a dear friend who I haven't seen in a couple years. I saw her cheery yellow house and her wonderful kitchen, walked around her garden and talked "candidly." I don't like "candid" or "realistic." But I love my friend.
Best friends start out as two people who meet each other for the first time and smile.
They usually have something in common.
They might be smart, or shy, or just really like playing foursquare on the playground.
They might be the only two girls in class who don't kiss Michael Jackson posters.
Friends spend time together.
They walk to the corner store to buy junk food.
They run through the tall grass.
They sit quietly and color.
They perfect their skills at baking (and eating) chocolate chip cookies.
Friends try new things.
Like sewing aprons,
And making sock puppets,
And being brave enough to perform a puppet show in front of their class.
Friends don't get upset (for long) if one sock is whiter than the other sock.
Sometimes friends change schools, but...
Friends don't say goodbye. Even if they don't see each other all the time. Even if there are years when they lose touch. They are still happy to see each other when they are together again.
And they will...
Friends sit through Chemistry and laugh together when someone is upset over a 99%.
They make up stories like Squanto and Hester Pryne. Together they'll survive both Icenogle and Bangs.
They go on trips to Ashland and dare each other to taste the lithia water.
They talk about the future. Of college, of weddings, of fire extinguishers.
They laugh. A lot.
They survive crazy high school crushes 'cause guys with great hair don't last forever, but great friends do.
They might graduate and move half way around the globe, but that's ok, 'cause...
Friends don't say goodbye. Even if they don't see each other all the time. Even if there are years when they lose touch. Best friends are still happy to see each other when they are together again.
And they will...
Best friends are smart and savvy.
They'll use modern technology to talk about their cities on opposite shores
And to complain about the cold
And icy crew mornings
And the brutal antics of polar bears and penguins.
Friends visit when they can and introduce each other to their new found homes.
They take the bus and do a lot of walking. They visit mutual friends and meet the troll under the bridge.
They drink a lot of coffee and look out for each other in dry dark alleyways.
They watch improv and laugh and laugh.
They talk about dating and boys and classes and sports. Then one has to go home, but they don't say good-bye. Good-byes are silly when you have email anyway.
Best friends are supportive when life gets crazy.
They visit when babies are three days old.
They sew bridesmaid dresses and then wear them even if they aren't entirely flattering.
They hold the train and listen to the unsure mutterings of a bride on her wedding day.
Friends visit even the strangest of locations...
Knob Noster, Panama City...
They walk old trails and spin across icy roads.
They drink juice from watermelons and watch the dolphins from the boat.
Life changes and friendship changes, but best friends are stronger than those things.
They know that they might not agree on politics, but shmores at ZandO's erase all disagreements.
They dance and eat food with their fingers.
They take the bus and do a lot of walking.
They sip red wine and savor dark chocolate.
They compare foot sizes with Lincoln.
Friends may not always be in the same "life chapter,"
And sometimes friends don't have as much in common,
But friends are still friends.
They talk about boys, the ones they live with and the ones they date.
Boys are difficult at all ages.
They might live vicariously through the adventures of another
Ski trips to the Italian Alps are enviable.
They closely follow the hike down the Pacific Crest trail.
They celebrate "the one" when he's finally found.
And understand when the other can't be there in person. Which is sad. And friends will feel bad,
But friends will understand.
They're so happy when their friend is pregnant.
They assure their friend that it's a healthy glow - really - she doesn't look fat.
They rejoice at the birth of a sweet baby boy.
And cry at the news. (Stupid cancer)
But there is always hope for friends.
And prayer.
And reunions overseas.
Friends love meeting in train stations.
And drinking coffee in Maastricht.
And getting to know their families better.
And watching their kids chase each other around the square.
And "headbanging" with air guitars to The Final Countdown in front of 200 International ladies.
Friends are a little crazier together.
And nothing is embarrassing with their support.
Friends follow each others blogs when miles are too great and oceans too wide.
But they will come home and visit again.
Because friends know that friendship is important.
Especially one rooted so long ago.
Sometimes bad news hits too hard.
But friends will be there.
Sometimes in heart and prayer over the distance,
Sometimes in person for a chat and a taco,
Sometimes in a teary hug...
But not good-bye.
Because friends don't say goodbye. Even if they don't see each other all the time. Even if there are years when they lose touch. Friends are still happy to see each other when they are together again.
And they will...
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| Jess and Me: 19 Aug 2010 |
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1 comments:
So touching, Tiffany! I'm fortunate to have a thick n' thin, 2+ decade friend too! It's so great to share all that history with such a special friend, isn't it? Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It inspires me... not only to jot down some thoughts of my own but to stay connected no matter how little/ much time has passed between emails, phone calls, or face-to-face visits.