You might think the fact that I’m friends with my best buddy from high school is not that unusual. However, it’s the back story that makes the real story fascinating, and quite engaging. You see, my best friend and I remained close all through our junior and high school years – until I decided to get married, instead of moving into an apartment with her, as we had always planned. Although she was one of my bridesmaids, we drifted apart immediately following the nuptials. In fact, we were estranged for 42 years until I read the book – The Myth of You and Me by Leah Stewart. This unassuming little title changed my life, because it looks at the complex and often difficult core of friendships, and gave me the hope that I could reacquaint myself with my oldest friend, Susan, despite all our past hurts. Regardless of the naysayers in my life, who thought mending the relationship, after almost five decades, was impossible – I took the challenge laid out by Ms. Stewart. I wrote my friend a letter telling her how sorry I was that we had become separated, and asked if she didn’t think it were time for us to mend fences.
I am pleased to share that even though we had grown independently through the majority of our lives, it has been quite interesting to learn all the “similar roads” we traveled at the same time. Now, we’ll pass through life, together, even though we’re physically miles apart.
I encourage everyone reading this post to realize – life is too short to let past grievances interfere with family, friends, or co-worker relationships. Try to reconnect! I believe you’ll be glad you did. After all, what do you have to lose by, at least, trying? It could change your life!