Thinking

bout friendship again.

Talked to an old friend tonight for almost two hours. No matter how much time passes or how far apart we may be, this is a friend whose laughter makes me feel like no time has passed at all, a friend who has seen me through an awkward adolescence, knows where I'm coming from and seems to always know not just who I am but who I might become. Did I mention that we talked for two hours!?! And we could have gone on and on. At some point during our conversation it occured to me that I felt like I was sitting next to him, drinking a beer and enjoying his company and conversation. There was no longer a phone between us, no miles, just talk and laughter. I know this guy so well that I can tell when he is smiling just by the subtle change in his voice. I think we have had the same conversation a million times over but it doesn't matter, each time we are a little bit older (!), with different experiences (and dare I say we are getting wiser?). I left the conversation feeling like I knew a little bit more about myself and thankful to have such a wonderful person in my life.

Joe and I first met when he moved to town in 2nd grade. Some things never change -- I of course was immediatly in love with the new boy! My crush continued through elementary school and junior high (and resulted in some awkward behavior--I seem to recall pushing him into a pool and I think I even kicked him in the groin once on the playground to show my love). Somehow, by the time we were in high school, I discovered that I had a wonderful friend and ally.

I continue to marvel at the way friendships can withstand the tests of time and distance and so much change in everyone's lives. I have such wonderful friends from so many different stages of my life and each and every one of them offer me so much. Reminders of who I am, who I have been and who I want to be.

My friends are my estate. Emily Dickinson