An Old Friend

There's nothing like an Old Friend. I am blessed to have more than a few. I like having new friends and the thought that one day they will be old friends too. Last night we went to a graduation party for an old friend with an old friend, where I came upon another old friend.

She and I first met in 4th grade. We were friends all through elementary school, middle school, high school and college... then as you know how it happens without really knowing how it happens... it was a year since I had talked to her, then two, maybe three. There were weddings, baby showers and all of that in between, but nothing like it had always been.

I must confess that I was reluctant to go, knowing full well that this friend and others might be there. My shame, embarassment and fears nearly kept me from going. Thanks to the encouragement of the second old friend, we went.

Lucky for me, the oldest friend was there. It was as if no time had passed. I gave her the biggest hug that I had in me. I was very happy. We talked, joked, laughed, wondered out loud about our other old friends.

While DB and I were driving home, I remembered that while I was cleaning our room, I found a stack of cards. I save all of them. Every card that I have gotten over the past 10 or 12 years, I have. I found a thank you card from her baby shower. As I was reading it, I chided myself for neglecting that friendship. Regret washed over my mind. I let it wilt. I was not a good friend. Only last summer I had run into her sisters. I gave them my number on a napkin and asked that they give it to their sister. I waited. A week, two weeks, three weeks. I gave up. I figured that I had been such a bad friend that there was no going back. No chance. I found her thank you card on Tuesday... by Saturday we were reunited.

I'll try to use this as a life lesson, to not let fear of failure or to let guilt or shame keep me from discovering or rediscovering the things that I do and will treasure.

Thank you Becky, my friend.