Today is the first day of the rest of this year. Yeah, I know what you thought I was thinking. Not today. I am sure it is the first day of the rest of my life, and yours too, for that matter. That is not what I wish to write about, though. Today I contemplate old friends as this new year starts.
Fact, I graduated high school twenty years ago this year. I cannot believe it either. I do not feel like twenty years has passed since I graced the halls of my alma mater. Wow, twenty years, seems like yesterday. Fact, my oldest child, my wonderful 17 year old daughter will graduate this year. Yes, twenty years after her mother. I think it is starting to sink in with her and she is getting excited about the future, and nervous. As she fills out college applications she cannot help but wonder where the money will come from to fund this continuation of her education. I do not worry too much since she wants to be a teacher. Many school districts pay you to go to school, or at least offer to pay your loans if you work for them once you graduate. Not a bad deal. But I have gone off topic.
About two weeks ago, right before Christmas, an old friend found me on Facebook. This is not any old friend either. She was my best friend for many years. We knew each other since we were freshmen in high school, but did not get that close until senior year. We stayed in touch, off and on, for about ten years after high school, then nothing until two weeks ago. Part of me was happy to hear from her. I had looked her up online many times throughout the years and wondered how she was. Another part of me wants to bury the friendship and not go back. It seems she has kept in touch with my mom through annual Christmas cards. All these years and she never asked for my address. Yes, I did send her cards for about two or three years after I moved away. I never heard from her. Now she is ready to speak to me again and I am not sure I want that. One day at a time I suppose, one day at a time.
I have my health, my family, and my dog. Oh, and I have a renewed outlook on life. Why go backwards when the future is upon us? Why care about ghosts of Christmas past when there are spirits of future endeavors approaching? Why worry when I can be thoughtful instead? 2009 is the year for change, according to our new President-elect and I am ready for that.
