Old Friends and Memories

Ok, so first let me say, it is not easy to get out of the house on a Wednesday. Alone. On time. I was late leaving, got muddy in the rain, had no time to go buy that cute top I just know was waiting for me at the store, and everyone was driving 50mph on the highway. Dropped Llama at a friends and dashed out- humidity induced frizz frizzing behind me. I was an hour late.

I was an hour late to visit my long lost BFF's, the ones I fretted about seeing. And of course, I was silly to worry. Yes, I am still fat. Yes, I still need to shop for some cuter duds- so I looked shlumpy. But as soon as the door opened- voila- a hug, a look, and we were pals again. (a bummer that one friend couldn't make it- Connie lives 4 hours away)

It had been 22 years since 2 of us moved away. Chris still lives there in the big city, Jasmine has been in Australia for 18 years, and I am in a small rural town, Population 500. Between the three of us, there was more gray, more wrinkles, 5 marriages (2,2,1) and 10 children (4,4,2). Strangers with a common past.
But the more we talked, about the past and our lives now, the more familiar we became. The faces might have changed, but the voice, the mannerisms and the things that make us quirky and unique are the same. And the eyes - I could see my memories in their eyes. I understand now exactly how effective those pictures with the eyes blacked out can be. You think you know who that is, but without the eyes, are you sure?

Oddly, we all intended to bring pictures to share and we all forgot.

I got to meet their spouses. It was great fun to talk with an Australian that has never been to America. Jazz' husband, Mark is a witty, smart man. He commented on how many restaurants we have and how unique the bright yellow school buses are to us. And, of course, that we drive on the wrong side of the road. Oh, and when are we going to go with the rest of the world to the Metric System? (I wonder that myself, my teachers lied- I don't think we're any closer to doing that since they tried to convince us that we needed to learn it!) He takes wonderful pictures. And the accent is greatness. Australians end their words on an up-note. Life sounds more pleasant when ending on an up-note.
Mindy, Chris' wife, was quiet but pleasant, and clearly loves her husband. Like so many have in this down economy, she just recently found another job after being out of work for awhile. She doesn't like her new job, but is glad to have one at all. With 4 children, I can imagine the financial strain!
Unfortunately, Jazz was in town because her father passed away recently. A sad reason to come home. She is the youngest of 6, so her 2 week visit is full of family. I am hoping they might get to come my way before she leaves. Maybe. Her family is busy trying to give them real Texas experiences. What is that? They did the rodeo and stockyards. They bought some cowboy boots. Good enough.

We shared our fleeting memories of our time together. Through the bits and pieces we had a few funny stories- the swimming pool, boys we had crushes on, music we loved. I think without the spouses we would have reminisced more, but not wanting to be rude, we didn't. 4 hours later and we are yawning. Parents with responsibilities. Bummer. I would have loved to stay up all night and get to know them all again. But alas, life happens.

So we took some pictures, we hugged and parted ways. Through the world of cyberspace, we will stay in touch. But this wonderful time was an example of what I tell my son- Facebook, MySpace, email,Texting- none of it is nearly as good as a face-to-face. There is nothing personal about talking with your keyboard. Communication is 90% body language. Our visit was relaxed and familiar. I am so glad to have gotten to see them both and meet their spouses.

Perhaps one day I will make it to Australia. I have always wanted to go. Until then, I will FB, Flikr and Skype. We forget over time how much we loved some people. We forget how important they were. We forget how influential they are in helping make us who we are. And to get the chance to remember in person is a gift. I am thankful.