Friendly Revival

     When I started this process of enriching my life and freeing myself from unsatisfying repetition, one of my main desires was to reconnect with good friends that I hadn't spoken to in many long years. This seemed like such a daunting task which filled me with anxiety and gave me pause; in most cases I couldn't even remember why, or when, we drifted apart. Would these women even be interested in putting in the time and effort to reconnect with me? Surely they had active lives, filled with cherished friends and wouldn't need my offering of friendship. Would they even remember me?! I had a sickening feeling that every phone call, every email, every letter would be met with confusion, bewilderment, and a polite decline for a invitation to get together. I convinced myself that I was worth it and didn't look back; I reached out and waited for replies- the snake pit of nerves in my stomach sent venom of uncertainty and doubt throughout my system. If our roles were reversed, would I make the effort for an old friend?

     I can say with all certainty that I was humbled and elated by the responses that I received. I was eagerly met with enthusiasm and immediate plans to meet and catch up. Detailed letters and long meandering Facebook messages were exchanged with long distance friends- detailing the growth of their relationships, the excitements in their lives, the life changing events they've navigated through over the years. I met with highschool girlfriends for supper- a lovely meal, copious amounts of wine and smokes, and hours of chatting as though no time stood between us. It was amazing and I relished every moment of it. I got together for drinks and supper with friends from university- we caught up and shared info on other friends we've heard from. It was an evening that ended far too soon (in a culmination of parking tickets and snow storms). In both cases, we made plans to commit to monthly dates that I will prioritize in my schedule.

     I wasn't disappointed in a single instance where I reached out to an old friend; they reaffirmed what I already knew: that these were relationships worthy fighting for, worth cultivating. Every girl was forgiving and understanding- acknowledging that life does indeed get in the way sometimes, and that a good friend, a life long friend, simply pushes it to the side when the right  time comes.