I've been connecting with people I haven't talked to in years. I met up with Andrea while she was in Chicago on a business trip and Andrea reminded me how good it feels to be in the company of someone that has known you for a loooong time. There is so much that doesn't have to be said or explained. She brought up things that made me belly laugh and reminded me of things I hadn't thought about in years. There is something very comforting about old friends. It's unfortunate that it took a death to bring us together, but I am so glad it did.
We went out for a nice dinner, looked at photos of kids and houses and brought each other up to date. It felt very natural and very comfortable. I met Andrea when she started to date and then eventually married a high school buddy of mine. At first, she was a little threatened by me, apparently. She was always hearing about this Jill person that Don was spending time with. Then, I guess on her first birthday that occurred while she was newly dating Don, Don had committed to helping me move. So, instead of hanging out with her all day, he helped me move and then met up with her later. I had no idea any of this was happening. To say the least, she was very curious to meet me. Once we met, we became very fast friends. She confided in me that she was prepared to not like me, we both laughed and on it went. I've kept in touch with Andrea probably more than Don. But you know how girls are. Much better at that! In fact, she lives in Ann Arbor and served as an "in case of emergency" contact for my nephew while he was going to school there. Even though so much time had passed, I knew I could give her a call and ask her if she would be there for him. Of course, she said yes!!
I asked Andrea to let me do a little video of her. This is the result. I was trying to show her how cool and easy to operate the Flip Video is.
This leads me to new friends, which I feel funny about using the word "new", because Annemarie has been my friend for eight years or so. She is a more recent friend, but Annemarie has been there for me in really big ways. Most recently, she was the one that I called from the ambulance when I was being taken to the hospital with my shattered arm. I can only imagine what she was thinking when the paramedic introduced himself on the phone and explained that he was calling on my behalf. She was at the hospital within minutes of my arrival and stayed by my side the entire evening, equal parts protecting me (from hospital workers that wanted to touch me for various reasons) and equal parts distracting/entertaining me. And in spite of my throwing up in her car all the way home, she still loves me! :-) Not to mention that Annemarie has been my "financial therapist" for years and is always there to listen when needed.
I had Annemarie and a few other friends over for dinner this weekend, which turned out delicious! The best part was the conversation and time spent together. Good conversation with great people. You can't beat it!
This is video of Annemarie expertly arranging some flowers she brought me. I was so impressed with her technique, I had to tape it!
Life would be so boring without friends, old and new!!!
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