Old Friendships

Do you remember high school? I mean do you really remember? Do you remember those close friendships you had at that point in your life that you felt could never be broken or impaired? I do. One of the things in my life that I regret, and yes I know regrets are a waste of good energy, but I regret this just the same; losing contact with close friends.

Now I realize we all can now use Facebook and other social network sites to catch up. Is that really the same thing? I would submit that it is not even close. I even have who I would consider to be my closest lifelong friend not an hour away and I have fallen woefully short of keeping up with this man. I need to change that. Life does have a way of weaving us on a path that we most likely didn’t plan or anticipate and in many cases our friendships take a beating for that. My life has certainly thrown me my share of curveballs but to be fair some of those curveballs were my own pitches.

We all have our own stories about how we drifted from our early friendships and I would be willing to surmise that every story is different. I had friends in my high school years that I spent so much time with I can not believe we didn’t stay in touch. There are phrases from my past and adventures as well that I could in no way explain to many now who would appreciate or understand. With these friends all I would have to say is “Helllo!!!! Who EEES IT??!!” and we could laugh for hours….ok minutes about it and not have to explain. I have friends who remember ice skating on lakes…tobogganing into trees and the list goes on and on….and yet we have lost touch. I know the old phrase about never being able to go “home” again. I suppose that is a good characterization of our past friendships. They will never be quite the same.

I’m not really sure what has made me ponder this tonight. Perhaps with the passing of my Dad a few months ago I am longing for the past a bit. The pain of my Dad’s passing is still pretty fresh although I am coping better now than I was. Perhaps the transition that has taken place in my family magnifies the transition of many aspects of our lives over time. I’ve never dealt well with transition and I’m afraid this has been no different. Yes I realize everyone goes through this but what is equally true is everyone goes through it their own way and I don’t think there is a right way.

So I am making a pact to get up with my old Grand Way buddy….I hope he reads this and has the same sentiments. Think about one of your closest friends in high school…ok Jim you may not be able to remember so you are exempt….but seriously think about that friend and call them and say hello. Close your Facebook and have a real conversation. Friendships may never be the same….but perhaps if we treat them as we once did they can still be just as rewarding.