Precious Connections

Old Friends

“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.”

Kahlil Gibran

There was a sweetness to my 50^th High School reunion that I didn't feel at past reunions, and certainly didn't feel in High School. I don't know whether that's because we've all been softened by heavy losses along life's way, or if it just took 50 years to realize how much we appreciate one another. For one thing, we were a gathering of survivors. So many have already gone. Being together, face-to-face, knowing that we're still here, still grabbing life with both hands, was made dearer because of their absence.

Shared history makes for deep connections. I heard over and over, “Do you remember...” and my answer was always, “Yes, I do remember.” And there were some things I thought I remembered, that turned out to be simply wrong. Memory, like truth, is skewed by emotional content and personal history. As we time-travel away from the event, our creative brains begin to embellish and add to the story line. Before long, it looks nothing like the original, except for feelings that cling like beggar's lice.

I had time to visit with my old friend, Priscilla. She and her family were the joy of my youth. Her parents took us everywhere—on hayrides to the lake, to the beach, to concerts and shows. They, alone, were always gracious enough to open their home and their hearts to all comers. I won't lose track of her again. The very best friendships are those that can have 50 year lapses, then pick up right where they left off.

Friendship is a precious thing—a responsibility that should never be neglected. Friends nourish our souls when all else has dropped away. They are one of life's greatest blessings.

                                                       In the Spirit,

                                                             Jane