I got a strange message the other day that intrigued me (I get lots of strange messages BTW, it goes with the job) but this was from a person who I did not know but with a name that had memories. I read it and flood gates opened.
The message was from the son of my closest friend from when I was 12-15 year old - my only childhood friend. We lost contact during a very traumatic time for me with assaults and abuse and stuff and I ended up a mess. I went through recovery and ended up several years later in a country far far away in a life far far different and eventually in a gender that was also different.
Fifty years came back in a message. A photograph. Oh I remember that chin. God, he's so old. The smile, that hasn't changed. Can I stroke your face?
The message was telling me that my friend had died and that his son was searching the internet and had come over my name and traced me and was I ......... Yes I was.
My friend died 2 miles way from where we lived. He raised a fine son. He looks like his Dad and acts like him.
I live 20,000 miles away, raised no one. Lived a life and fought for every inch. I've cried a lot and laughed a lot. I've loved - and still do.
I reflected on my past and the futures that could have been.
I poured a glass and made a toast: Whenever you ever get the chance, take every risk that there is and definitely put at least 20,000 miles between your past and your present and never look back.
Salute'
Vale my friend.
Cindy
