I’ve noticed many times in my life the long duration that goes between interactions with my best friends, and it amazes me. True, social media like Facebook gives us the ability to quickly check in and see what’s going on in someone’s life, but there have been times that months or years go by between any direct, personal communication—and yet the friendships seem like they’ve never even had a pause.
...we've built them into the very framework of what makes us the people we are.
This is true with a few “old” friends of mine from high school, and more so with friends from college. Most of those I have not seen in person since graduation, decades ago, but when a phone call happens, all the memories return and the connection is still strong.
Even with the person I consider my “best” friend of more than 30 years (who gave me the quirky book above), we will have months go by without any communication and sometimes—the next time we talk—pick up the last conversation we were having right about where it left off.
I’ve decided it’s because those people who we consider our closest friends are never really absent, even when we’re not talking, texting, snap-chatting, or—I know it’s crazy to imagine—physically in the same room as each other. Even after they pass away, those very close friends are still with us, because we’ve built them into the very framework of what makes us the people we are.
Timeless friendship. I wish for everyone that they can find it, and that they realize the treasure that they have.
Oh, and since I have you thinking about it, how about giving those timeless friends you do have a call or going over to say hi, right now?
Arthur Breur, ComposerArthur Breur is a composer and web developer currently living in the Portland suburb of Durham, Oregon. He recently completed a commission to compose a military "theme" march for the US Army's 44th Air Defense Artillery. His web development company, FireSpike LLC has been in business since 2001.
I agree completely.
I see now that you made the same point I did, about being able to pick up right where you left off with good friends. Great minds think alike!
I have known my best friend since August 1965. She was my college roommate for four years. What you have said about friendships is true for us. What you have decided (fourth paragraph), is a an excellent description of having a best friend.
Friends have such an influence over how we define ourselves and eventually who we become. We’re lucky when we choose wisely. Sounds like you’ve got good friends, who can provide that timeless friendship that we all treasure.