Recently, I was thinking about one of my best friends when I was growing up “M”. We grew up in the same neighborhood and played together often. I have a lot of fond memories of her and looked up to her. I would go to her house regularly and her mom would feed me. Yes, feed me. M was tall and skinny and I was shorter and had “more meat on me.” M’s mom had all kinds of goodies at their house that we did not have. Ding dongs, twinkies and cookies were in regular supply and did not exist in our household.
Why you may ask. Many of our family members had weight problems and my parents did not want their darling little girl having the same problem. Which in itself created a whole other problem. (That will be another post for sure) I liked sweets and I was going to find them. So I would sneak off to M’s house and get my treat.
There was also a candy store at the community center where I went daily, many times with “M.” I remember one time I was not suppose to buy anything there so I just took it.
“M’ and I were on the phone talking and she said, “I can’t believe you stole that candy bar.” At the same point, my mom happened to pick up the phone and hear this conversation. Not a good thing. (I don’t think she happened to pick up either. She often listened to my conversations to make sure I wasn’t getting in any trouble!)
The minute I hung up the phone, my mom proceeded to march me up to the community center and make me give the candy back and apologize to their entire staff. It was probably the most humiliating experiences of my life. And I never stole anything again.
M and I remained friends as it was not her fault.
The following year I moved to a different area and M did too. Our parents remained friends so I always got updates on her but eventually we lost touch as we met new people and time went by.
Then about ten years later, we ran into each other and decided to get together. It was incredible. We picked up right where we left off and became fast friends again. We both met our husbands and fell in love. She stood up in my wedding. We have watched each other raise our own children and go through life’s up and downs. We live about 20 minutes apart and our kids are in different activities in different communities so its sometimes difficult to get together. But we try to make it work.
I feel very fortunate to have her in my life. She is a treasure. Our friendship has come full circle and I am so blessed to have reconnected with her. I love that saying we use to sing when we were little girls. “Make new friends and keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.” So true. I love you M.
What old friends do you have in your life and what makes them special?
Kim Gellman is the owner of Artisticsensations.com, a fun and hip website that sells kids furniture, bedding, and room decor from baby to college age kids. She is the mother of two boys and enjoys every moment of life and all its adventures!
