Old Friends

Throughout our lives, we will meet, work, and interact with thousands of people. If we are fortunate, we may find love and form a partnership with another human being and bring new people into the world. There is no greater gift than being a member of a caring, loving, and connected family as it is the foundation for a healthy life. 

Of the thousands of other people we will meet, some will become respected and valued colleagues. Most will be acquaintances or people we know or used to know. In rare cases, we will have shared experiences at important times in our life’s journey that can create deep and lasting friendships. 

Friendship seems like a simple enough construct, but it is an uncommon and special thing. Friends are people that know you well and love you anyways. People you can go years without seeing and yet instantly connect with when you do meet again. People with whom laughter comes easily and you feel more alive when you are in their presence. 

Human relationships are complex and evolving. All families are imperfect. Most friendships do not last. If you have one or more people in your life who allow you to be yourself, who reach out when life gets hard, who celebrate your successes without jealousy or envy, whom you can sit with in silence, and with whom you can laugh uncontrollably at the world, and at each other, you have a friend. Never take this for granted for you are blessed.

Friends for Forty Years