New Year -- Old Beginnings

It seems that this year, in addition to being full of new beginnings and possibilities, is also providing moments to reflect and reconnect. Circling back to old beginnings, in a matter of speaking.

I spent several hours sharing wine with a dear old friend two nights ago. He called, said he was in town from Washington State, and did I want to get a drink? We had been the very best of friends, he and I. All through high school we were close, and even into some of my college years, after he had joined the Navy. He married another dear friend, whom I had actually introduced him to in high school. They were high school sweethearts, but unfortunately, their adult romance didn't end so sweetly. And in the mix of real life, and obligations, and being on opposite sides of the continent for much of the last decade (and opposite parts of the globe for a good deal of it as well), we lost touch. Life happened, as it so often does. So when he called, despite enjoying my night off, in my pajamas on my couch, I jumped at the chance to see one of my oldest, dearest friends.

The restaurant we planned to meet at ended up being closed. So, we went back to my house, kicked back on my couch, and talked, and shared some wine (never in my life would have pictured him to turn into a guy that drinks wine... love it!), and somehow, we picked up right where we left off, nearly a decade ago. And a decade is a lot to get caught up on... so we chatted, and laughed, and cringed together, as clearly a decade of tales covered the entire spectrum of human emotion. We talked about his ex. We talked about mine. Both stories lead us each to the conclusion that we're better off without them. We talked about family, and the craziness that so often surrounds it. We talked about his kids, and the fact that I have none. We covered such an array of topics, that I couldn't possibly touch on them all now. The hours ticked by, and before we knew it, it was 1:00 a.m. and down pouring outside. And he went home to his parents, with the agreement that a decade was too long, and we'd keep in touch. I believe it.

And, the day before I visited with Ryan, I got a message from another dear friend, who had been in the same social circle as Ryan, his ex, and I. And with a great deal of our other friends as well, I suppose. But, she and I haven't seen each other for the better part of three years, despite for the last year living only a half-hour apart. Again... that crazy thing called life. But, we made plans for dinner tomorrow, at The Governor's Inn, and I am so looking forward to finally meeting her two little boys, and hearing about where life has taken her.

Two dear friends... friendships that helped carve out the person I've become. Here's to new beginnings with those old friends... Old Beginnings, I'm thinking are sometimes more of what you need than new ones :)