I often look at my children as they grow and am conscious of the people in their lives, especially the constant ones. The forever kind of folks like my daughter’s pal across the street. They have been buddies since toddlerhood. And my teenage son whose best friend since grade 1 is a regular fixture around here. I love that they have these relationship. I know that, especially once they are older and are reflecting back, they will be so grateful for these longstanding friendships. No one knows you like the people who grew up beside you.
I know this because I too have these people in my life. As of tomorrow, I get to spend 5 days relaxing in Barbados at The Crane Resort with one of my oldest and dearest friends. Pals since grade 7 we are celebrating 30 years of friendship. Over the years we have come and gone from the day-to-day happenings of each other’s lives due to geography, life stage and typical busyness but we have never lost touch.
Months or even years can go by without a conversation and we can just pick up like nothing has happened. She knows me and I know her; where we came from, what moulded and impacted us and how we became who we are. There is a certain acceptance, an unwritten understanding of sorts that one can only get from those who knew you when.
We are both mothers now and have children older than we were when we met. We are hip to their games because we were there ourselves years ago. We can relate to each other in a way that is profound and real based on common experiences and a shared childhood.
I deeply value my friendship with my old friend and can’t wait to spend 5 lazy days catching up. Like most moms we haven’t had more than the odd evening together over the last number of years so 5 days is like a lifetime.
We are promised great food, beautiful beaches, luxury accommodations and relaxation during our stay. After 30 years of friendship, it is bound to be a perfect trip.
