Almost 2 weeks ago, I was sitting at a patio bar looking out over the Puget Sound. I had arrived the day before and was – I still AM! – duly enamored with the gorgeous scenery and enchanting Fall weather. It was late afternoon on a Tuesday, there were not many patrons and I was alone.
As I surveyed the scene, I noticed a twenty-something sitting by him self, drinking a pint. I mused: Who is he? A young professional on business? A lone traveler such as myself? A fellow introvert who enjoys solo dining?
Our tables were mere feet apart. As I considered making a comment: “Isn’t this view incredible?! (I can almost hear my kids😬, “sooooo cring-y, Mom!!!”)
But just then, my near-acquaintance stood up and heartily greeted, what I came to understand, was a friend he had recently been in touch with over Instagram but who he hadn’t physically seen in several years.
They were in town for the holiday and made it a priority to connect. Both men had attended high school in the town that I had only begun to meet. One was raised in a family of fishing folk, the other in a family of Afghani immigrants.
Below is a text conversation that I had with MY best friend who I’ve know since we were in college.
These two, wise-beyond-their-years “dudes”(used more times than I could count 😜) talked about their impressions of the world and the revelations they’d had in the years since they’d left the security of their families, their classmates, their high school community and the relative safety of this quaint, clean, highly-educated and relatively small suburban town with gorgeous views if – I’ve heard but YET to see – a VERY long rainy season!
I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity, just this past weekend, to connect with a close friend from college and another close friend from high school. I am looking forward to seeing yet another close friend from college next weekend.
It has been a beautiful, unexpected gift to share the UPDATED version of my life story with women whom I love and admire and who’ve know me over the course of several stages of growth and development ❤️.
I have a LOT more to say about this subject but I’m about to board a plane. I will post some photos from my weekend and pick this thread up another time.
I am happy, tired and so very grateful for those who’ve been willing to “hold” my story and who remind me who I actually am when I begin to believe the lies that I have been told about myself. Thank you to my dear, sweet friends❤️
*carpe diem*
Collecting Pieces of Me 