Memory Lane

I was able to connect up with some college friends last night.   It was fun to take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the good times (and even some of the bad) we experienced in college.   Although we admit that we do not feel like we're in our 50's, we couldn't help but laugh at how the conversation revolved around jobs, children, marriages, and health.  Stark reminders that we are NOT in our 20's anymore. 

 

Dean is perhaps the closest to me.  We keep in contact through txt, facebook and the occasional phone call.   He put out a post on facebook a week ago that simple said, "I sure could use a friend right now."   I called the moment I read it.   He's going through a difficult divorce and just needed to vent.  I listened...that's all I did was listen.   Reward?   The biggest hug and "Thank you" imaginable when I saw him last night.  He will be moving to Iowa within the next couple of months and I made him promise that we'll get together before he leaves. 

 

John and Deb live in town but I rarely see them.  They were college sweethearts that let a misunderstanding break them up.  After 25 years apart, they found their way back to each other.  Their road has been rocky in that they were both married at the time.  They seem to be doing well and it's good to see them together.  I smile when they say it was "their destiny" to end up together.  We made a pact that we'll try to do better in seeing each other socially because, after all, life is too short to say "someday we should do that." 

 

John and Laura have been together since college.   They did end up divorcing about 12 years ago? but found their way back to each other.  They have remarried and seem strong in their relationship.   My relationship with them, however, hit a rocky point about 4 years ago.  After an unfortunate misunderstanding, they made it known that they didn't want anything to do with me ever again and for me to delete them from my world.  Which I did.   Last night was the first time that I'd seen them and they behaved as if nothing had ever happened and we were long lost friends.   I took my queue from them and didn't bring up past hurts.  Bygones...but I won't forget. 

 

I was able to reconnect with Rick (Andy).  That was a flashback reunion to say the least.   He was the one that took me to my very first Road Rally.  Holy Cow. Memories!  It was fabulous to run in to him and to meet his girlfriend Carol.  He happens to share the same birth day as me and this year, we have a Super Moon to celebrate under.    I told him that no matter what we were doing, we would have to stop and raise a glass in toast to each other.  I hope our paths cross again in the future.

 

I was disappointed that more didn't show up - especially those that live in the area.  They may not have the same fond memories of college that I have and may not want to take that trip down memory lane.  I understand.  Life has a way of changing people (both for the good and/or bad).  I'm also not going to worry about it.  I just know that I had an amazing night with some of my lifelong friends, and that is what counts most to me.

 

So until next time when we can manage to get together, I'll continue to travel down memory lane from time to time and celebrate the people who were a part of my past and my present.