Sweet Friendship: The Reunion That Took 25 Years

You may remember a sweet friend recently contacted me through e-mail. We hadn’t connected in 25 years! (You can read more of our story here.)

After our initial phone tag and texts, we made arrangements to get together this month. It’s been a wonderful rekindling of spirits, filled with much joy and happy tears.

Well, this past Monday was the day we finally hooked up!

Unable to sleep Sunday night because I was too excited about meeting my friend, I woke early.

We agreed to meet at a halfway point geographically, and I was so glad I allowed additional drive time. Wouldn’t you know—it rained buckets!

Armed with my jacket and umbrella (and dainty white tennis shoes) I soldiered on, determined not to be late.

Down, down, down the rain poured. Even switched to high, my poor wiper blades could barely keep up.

Still…

I decided I wouldn’t let the weather dampen my good mood. I was on my way to see *Beth finally!

A few days before our meeting, I researched various restaurants that I thought would be great reunion choices. I crossed off the typical fast food fare, pizza chains, and sandwich places. I wanted something different—special. Someplace with great food, but also a place with a little ambiance and conducive to visiting.

I came across Mocha Jo’s Coffee Cafe in my Google search and I’m so thankful I did! (While their website needs updated, this was a score in a big way. I hope you’ll join me again on Monday for more about Mocha Jo’s.)

As I maneuvered my vehicle into the two-hour parking space, Beth texted me she wasn’t too far behind. (Yes, she pulled over first!)

I readied the trusty umbrella, glanced down at my pristine white tennis shoes, and dashed out of the car to the front door of the cafe—which blessedly, had a generous-sized covering overhead.

My heart pounded.

My knees knocked.

Twenty-five years flashed by like a silent movie played in slow motion.

There we were in class.

In the lunchroom.

Again, at the dariette.

At my house.

The Drive-in.

On a class trip.

A friend’s Volkswagen.

Giggling girls.

Teenagers.

Young women.

Grown adults.

Then…

there she was—pretty, petite Beth—with her confident stride and familiar smile moving toward me in the rain that no longer mattered.

“Cindy. Ohh, Cindy.”

“Beth.”

We cried and hugged and melted into each other’s arms as time fell away and years evaporated.

The memory of that moment pressed upon my heart—the hour, that day bookmarking itself in my scrapbook of emotion.

How could I possibly convey to Beth everything that swept over me?

Words tumbled out, mingling with laughter and tears.

“You haven’t changed.”

“Neither have you.”

But of course, we had. Time had “refined” us.

And yet…

we saw each other through the sweet veil of friendship—the exterior us somewhat changed, but our souls still the same and framed in love.

Over lunch, we talked about our lives, our family, God. We shared prayers and praises and hopes and dreams.

We lingered over classmates who’d experienced heartache and loss. It saddened me to learn that some died too soon.

On the other hand, Beth spoke of those who’d accomplished great things. One became a colonel in the military, another—a pharmacist, one—a nurse, and still another—a minister. Some classmates were teachers, business owners, and builders. Many had tasted success. Some had not.

I always knew Beth would do something grand. It seemed surreal that she, a former teacher, should be a school librarian now—the Media Specialist for K through 12th grade.

And she recalled, too, my affinity for words. “You always said you wanted to be a writer. I remember that.”

My reunion with Beth surpassed my fondest expectation.

There were no formalities. No pretenses or putting on airs.

It was like slipping on a favorite, fuzzy bathrobe—warm, comfortable, and scented with happiness.

Here’s to you, my dear Beth—

*Clink*

May we continue what we’ve renewed.

***

*With respect for her privacy, not my friend’s real name. Then again—there’s this photo… =)

REMINDER:

Please join me again Monday as I discuss Mocha Jo’s Coffee Cafe in much more depth.

This eclectic, little gem is an extraordinary place and it blesses one Ozarkian

community in a very big way. Find out how!

 

 PLEASE SHARE:

My heart pounded and my knees knocked. Where had the last 25 years gone?

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The memory of that moment pressed upon my heart… (A story of friendship)

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Have you experienced a similar reunion?

How does reconnecting with dear friends make you feel?

What does friendship mean to you?

***

Prayers for your happiness today, dear friends!

Blessings Always,