40+ years, 6 children, 11 grandchildren, numerous careers, a variety of places we have called 'home', paths crossing without even knowing it, surgeries galore-some minor some life-altering and most of all, love and loss. Yet, here we are, vacationing in the beautiful town of Salmon Arm without even missing a beat. If we only had a nickel for every word that was spoken - we would be able to travel the world in a style we have yet to become accustomed to.
Much of our time was spent sharing memories and recalling events that we both celebrated (and even a few that we were maybe not worth celebrating). Rehashing those memories also resulted in remembering so many of the people who were there at the time; friends, family, team mates, classmates, teachers, coaches - people who touched our lives in ways they may never know. So much of life to catch up on and only two days to do it. I think we deserve medals for how much we packed into that short, sweet time :). So much bragging about our amazing kids, almost as much bragging about our amazing spouses and of course, our lights shone brightest on our wee ones as they fill our hearts and homes with the kind of love that can only come from grandchildren.
When I got home my husband asked me what we did and my short answer was 'talk'. And talk and talk and talk and laugh and talk and cry and talk. I thought there might be some lapses, maybe some differences in what we remembered or the way we remembered it, but it wasn't so. This oh-so-special friend filled my cup to overflowing and I am beyond grateful that we were able to spend this time together.
As life starts moving just a little more quickly, as we lose loved ones and friends from our childhood, as our families grow and change we do spend a little more time treasuring the moments, all of the moments, the past, the present and even an uncertain future. If you have an old friend who you think of constantly, reach out and make the time to connect with them. These two days with my dear friend were filled with love, laughter, tears, memories, joy and gratitude. It just doesn't get any better!
