I Saw a Friend Today

As 1989 drew to a close I knew the following year would be pivotal year for me in many ways. 1990 was assured to be an adventure in uncertainty, education, and new beginnings. A high school graduate nor a recently decreed college student are being described here that is another story which is not being told today. Freedom is so often taken for granted and I will leave it at that for the moment.

1990 found me in Columbia, South Carolina away from the mild tempered state of Indiana and I could not be happier. The heat of the Carolina's was a blessing for me better known as "The one who hates winter". Even to the extreme of a motorized vehicle snow and winter have never been my cup of tea. I started working at a restaurant within days of Christmas, walking to work in 70 degree temperatures was a new experience.

Christmas would not be quite the same I felt only to find out I was wrong. Christmas morning warm fresh out of bed, curtains still drawn closed on the window, the tree all lite up with presents being passed. There was nothing different about Christmas at all. This is speaking in terms of new location and climate. In speaking of Christmas among family and friends then oh my yes this was a different Christmas altogether.

This is what we have as we go through life. Memory's. Mark's in time so noted and poignant to who we are, those we admire, the ones we miss, the things we cherish. Gone but not forgotten and happy to see upon return. This is the memory of friendship as circumstances and events, sometimes stretching into years, create separation between the two. Alas, gone but not forgotten and happy to see upon return, is not how it always is in this thing called friendship. Sometimes one is hurt and angry with the separation, the lack of communication, a regular "staying in touch" absent for a number of years.

I saw a friend today and I still appreciate the memory. Maybe more than they will ever know.