I have spent a large amount of time with childhood friends in the last couple of days. It is interesting for me to see the difference between some of these friendships.
With some friends, all we cover is out memories from the past. It's about who we were, what we did and all the things we dreamt of. The laughs are still sweet, but there is no future in the friendship. The friendship is bound only by memories of the past.
There are also the friendships that are about the things that we have in common. This kind of friendships combines the past and parts of the present. The future is unknown, and as each of us changes, it is likely that the friendship will become a friendship of memories of the past.
There are other friendships that remain the same as they always were. There is good hearted arguements, heaps of teasing and laughter. These friendships touch on the past, on the present and on the future. They cover the things that we remember, the things that we have in common and the things that we disagree on. These are the friendships that are comfortable as they are. Months and years can pass without catching up, but when you see that other person nothing has changed. These friendships bring out the best of what I used to be, the best of what I am now and shine a light on who I am going to be in the future.
I am lucky to have childhood friends who mostly fall into the last category. I saw a friend who falls into the first and have friends that I'll see later this week that fall into the second.
Last night, I spent some time with my honourary cousin, her husband and my honourary Aunt and Uncle. These people are not related to me, but they share a bond and a love that makes them family. Aunty L and Uncle D are some of Mum and Dad's closest friends who have been around since before Mum and Dad married, way before I was even born. I still call them Aunt and Uncle, and still love them dearly. I can't describe the fun that we had. It's a special mix, and these are special people. I love them dearly.
To childhood friends, honourary relatives and memories.