Another case in life’s astounding ability to amaze me: I’ve spent the last two days in San Antonio, Texas, visiting old friends (I went to college and lived there for about 9 years). Each of my visits were excellent reminders of the enduring bonds of friendship.
I was struck by how easy it was to slip right back into the conversation patterns and easy laughs that I regularly had with these people over 20 years ago. The bonds were clearly there, and time and distance couldn’t break them.
I take the time to make these side trips because I have this inherent need to stay connected to my past as a guidepost to the future – like the saying “you don’t know where you are going until you know where you’ve been“.
It was a very satisfying trip, and on the last night I drove by one of the places I had lived, slowly passing a boat-load of memories. They swept through me in waves, and all those little emotions came back, if only for a second or two. Reminding me of where I’ve been……
To top it off, as I approached the place I was staying the night the radio played “That’s What Friends Are For“, a song that was totally appropriate for several reasons. One, its age (it came out in 1985, while I was living in San Antonio), two, its sentiment (a celebration of the friendship I had experienced in the last 48 hours) and lastly one of its singers – you guessed it, Elton John.
Another musical marker, just when I needed it.
For good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for…..
Here’s to those friends I just visited, and to all of my other friends, both online and offline – thank you for the gift you have bestowed upon me. I will treasure it always.
Have a great week!
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I love how music can quickly take us back to a special time or special memories!
I enjoyed hearing about your visit with college friends. I will be heading back to Ohio next week for my annual weekend reunion with my college roommates. We’ve been out of college since ‘73, and these get-togethers feel more precious with each passing year. Thanks for reminding us that friendship surpasses the limits of geography.
Hi Karen and Deb – thanks for stopping by!
Karen, your point about music is spot on – I don’t know how I could have remembered everything if it wasn’t for my “musical markers”
Deb, I hope you have a great time at your reunion – you are right, these are precious opportunities.
All the best to you both!