Old Friends

I haven't written in a while and it feels strange. When I don't put thoughts to paper (or computer), it's almost as if I am devoid of feeling or emotion, which in reality could not be further from the truth.

Sometimes, I find, I get so wrapped up in my mind that I don't stop to process or evaluate what is going on.

I think in some other life, I was an absent minded professor or writer who holed themselves up for days on end while the creative juices flowed. I can just imagine weeks with no contact from anyone outside of my own little bubble of a world. With hair ratted, desk askew, eyes burning from work and concentration, I would emerge from my utopia to address the mundane tasks of every day life.

The lack of writing has nothing to do with a lull in my life. Indeed, I've been very busy and actively engaged, especially within my own imagination. Crazy like this takes work. And frankly, it's my most favorite job I've ever held.

The past weekend was quite interesting for me. For starters, my sister and I reconnected with some of the most special friends of our lives. I found one of the friends here on Facebook and perused his friend list. On that, I found his mother. With a bit of encouraging and possibly a libation or two, I sent her a message re-introducing myself and expressing my desire to reacquaint with she and her kids. I waited with trepidation, but the very next day I received a tremendously enthusiastic reply!

Within the next day, I received an email from my long, lost, best friend and as I opened it I found myself shaking and crying. It was the best gift I have received in ages and I was thrilled that she was willing to open back up the lines of communication with me.

Today she sent a picture of the two of us riding on her go kart and I had to smile. I see two young girls with their hearts full of dreams, legs as long as the Mississippi and a bond that apparently, can never fully die.

It's been 24 years since we last spoke, but I have no worries about us filling in those long, lost gaps in time. My heart swells at the love I feel for she and her family, for our memories, the times we shared. It also squeezes a bit when I think of the time we lost in between. Filling those gaps is a huge priority for me and we are planning a reunion as soon as we can.

I feel happy tonight. I am content with how things work out and optimistic about the future, whatever it may hold. Putting these thoughts down was a good thing. Reuniting with old friends is an even better thing.