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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3KEhWTnWvE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3KEhWTnWvE)
Thank you Cindy. That was nice of your friends son to reach out to you. It's never too late to rekindle an old friendship as there is plenty of time to cheer a life well lived. Live each day to it's fullest, as I know you do.
Judi
I know the feeling. One of the major triggers that began my whole journey through transition was the death of one of my law school friends. He had lived a great life—wife, kids, huge financial success. He was going through a divorce and an identity crisis— Southern California body builder and party boy vs perfect Jewish son of a Holocaust survivor father.
That was where things stood when he offed himself by unintentionally piling a quarter million dollar sports car into a tree at over 100 mph.
I was a basket case at his funeral. Nine months later I was coming to terms with myself and starting transition.
Hugs, Carly
It is nice to reminisce of happy times and old acquaintances. It's too bad you weren't able to connect before your childhood friend passed.
The truth to life is "Stop and smell the roses"!
Hugs and smiles, Jess
Great! Now I need to go find my best friend form when I was 13. Why'd ya have to go and do a thing like that, Cindy? Ha Ha ;D
Been thinking about trying to reach out to her for a while actually. Her and her family were the only ones who ever knew me... AS me! Before everything turned dark for me... And I lost her. :embarrassed: I should stop beating myself up over that and do something instead.
Edit: And cheers to your friend Cindy!!! (Didn't really mean to make my post all about me. D'oh! :-\)
<3,
Erin