As Thomas Wolfe wrote “you can’t go home again,” to which I agree. One can never return to one’s childhood, or any moment in time really, and feel exactly as it felt like the first time. Now that the cryptic is over, let me explain.
I had lunch with the friend I’ve known the longest in my life (and still stay in touch with albeit very loosely). I met this person in kindergarten, and we went all through school together although always remaining friends by high school graduation we were members of different social groups. However, for many years we were best friends and intimates in a time of life when boys were becoming very interesting, the universe was expanding, and life was for pushing boundaries and elders.
So it was with equal parts enthusiasm and trepidation that I met up with my friend, her high school sweetheart, and two of their children for lunch. It was a surreal moment of slipping easily into a relationship, which was a little unsettling because we hadn’t met in person in over ten years. It was also a tad weird when we spoke on the phone because we both felt the others voice sounded a little different. Then when we met in person we immediately noted the differences in each others’ appearance and lives, since we last met, and I was surprised to have an accurate account of my changes being quickly summed up by another.
Well, I don’t know what else to say other than I enjoyed the lunch, but it gave me pause. I’ll admit to wondering along the lines of “what would life be like if I were married with children,” and “did I make the right decisions in not having a family yet,” and the like. Don’t get me wrong, normally I am solid in my decisions and the path I’ve chosen in life, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that the lunch got me thinking…I know, I know, everyone duck for cover!
K,
It’s good to rethink what you are feeling really solid on already. It opens your eyes to something you may have missed before or were just looking at through your fingers. It’s a good thing.