I saw some of my oldest and dearest friends recently. I've known them since I can remember knowing anybody. They've always just been there...even when they're not there. Like family. We've blown and scattered, our communications few, even in this golden age of electric text. With a little effort we reunited, spent a couple of days together like the brothers we always were, and went home.
I watch my children grow. I remember being five years old. I wonder what they will remember from this time in their life. I wonder if they have met any friends that they will have as adults.
I remember my grandfather always taking pictures. Taking pictures and telling stories from his past. Later, as he was suffering from alzheimers, I wondered if he had been trying to preserve all that he knew...so he wouldn't forget. I wonder what I will forget.
This time of having children so young, is so busy and moves so fast that I fear it will be gone before I can fully realize what it is that I have.
I remember my good friend Darby. I would bring people to meet him at his house in the woods and he would always jump up to embrace them and say, "welcome home!". I loved that.
Wherever he is now, I'm sure it is home.
I hope my children always feel connected and loved and embraced no matter how far away they may be.