Friday, July 13, 2012

The Party Where Time Went Backward

"Yes'm, old friends is always best, 'less you can catch a new one that's fit to make an old one out of. "
 - Sarah Orne Jewett

Me in the group picture
Last night was so much fun. Some old friends who had moved away were in town visiting. They put out the call on Facebook for us all to get together for dinner. I agreed right away because I never turn down a party. But I wondered if it would be awkward. 

They moved away seven years ago. A lot changes in seven years. Babies are born, children go away to college, people lose touch with each other. Would it be weird, all of us being together again? What would we talk about? 

I won't deny that there was some weirdness. It was like someone froze time, opened the curtain to the past, and grabbed a few pieces of it. Then those pieces were all dropped into our laps to enjoy all over again. There was a very "twilight zone" feeling to all of us being together again. I wanted to bottle it to bring the feeling home. I felt like if I could just walk around the room and touch everyone, maybe I could freeze the moment to keep with me. Does that make any sense?

When my friends lived here, we were all so close. We formed bonds that could only be created under the very specific circumstances we found ourselves in at that time. 

And last night, we all picked up right where we left off. It was such a good time! We were laughing and joking with each other like seven years had never passed. The changes we have all experienced didn't affect our friendship in the least! What a gift! 

I wish my friends lived closer. I wish we could see each other more often. But knowing that time and distance can't really change the bonds we all made years ago, is a very comforting thought. 

Being reminded of precious past relationships makes me want to do a better job with the friendships I have now. I want to make sure that I am allowing the time and energy necessary for those bonds to grow strong and deep. It's difficult in this busy life I'm living, but, as last night showed, totally worth it.

The other really great thing about seeing old friends - they kept telling me how great I looked! I was called gorgeous more times last night than in a normal year! I really need to see these people more often. 

Me at the party - not posting a pic from 7 years ago
But it makes me wonder - how ugly was I seven years ago?

11 comments:

  1. Never do I laugh out loud while reading. But that last line totally made me laugh out loud! And for the record, I'm willing to bet you've always been gorgeous!

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    1. I don't know about the gorgeous, but I appreciate your faith in me. We'll pull out old pics one day. And I love that I made you laugh out loud!!

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  2. Oh, stop. You've always been gorgeous. It's just that ALL 23-year-olds are gorgeous, so it wasnt' so remarkable then!

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    1. So I wasn't remarkable? Wow. You know how to make a girl feel good :-) Just kidding, Gretchen. It was so good to see you!!!

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  3. What a wonderful time it was! It made me realize the same thing about investing more time with the friends who live close by. Friends are so important and I am truly blessed to have the ones I have. I just hope they know how special they are to me!

    By the way, gorgeous people have always been gorgeous! :)

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    1. It was a fun night, wasn't it? As for gorgeous, that's sweet of you to say, but you didn't know me in middle school :-)

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  4. My guess is that you have never been ugly. You are quite beautiful now, and I"m sure that has always been the case. As for middle school? I didn't know you either, but who wasn't incredibly awkward in those days?

    Glad you had a great visit.

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    1. Thank you, Tara! I begged my mom to destroy all my middle school pics. Instead she showed them to my kids :-) At least they got a good laugh.

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  5. It was a speechless....I know hard to believe...moment for me. So many of you came and blessed us just to reconnect. We were talking about all of you again last night and how each of you were a part of our favorite youth ministry experience. The way you guys showed your love for God by loving the teenagers blew our minds. We knew we missed you guys but didn't know how much till last Tuesday evening. Life long friends totally but even better eternal friendships our priceless to us. Thanks for all the laughs and hugs and encouragement. Honestly I was thinking that all of us are aging quite well. Dawn you and Drew will always be close to our hearts after all we moved in with you, decorated your Christmas tree, and you loved us like you had known us forever! Love you girl!

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    1. We do have some great memories, don't we :-) It was a special time working together. It was so good to see you guys! I didn't realize how much we had missed you either. Hug the fam for me!

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