Reunion

Recently, we went to BSC's Homecoming, which also happened to coincide with my ten year college reunion.  I cannot believe it has been ten years.  It makes me feel ancient.  Before heading to the game, some of my college friends met up for brunch.  It always amazes me how quickly everyone just falls back into the comfort of being together - even when we haven't seen each other in years.  Homecomings and Reunions are a time for reflection, and I guess I was in an appropriately reflective mood because I started thinking about these girls.  To me, college friends are the best friends because they knew you before you really knew you.

They knew you as a scared freshman showing up at college alone.  They knew you during all-nighter study sessions for a Chemistry exam you were sure to fail.  They knew you at Spring Breaks and summer Rush parties.

They knew you when your greatest anxiety was finding a date for a sorority party.  And your greatest joy was fried okra day in the Caf.

They knew you when late-night meant Taco Mac and Purple Onion.  They knew you when your dreams were to marry a certain boy and join the Junior League.  When you still wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer or an interior designer. 

Then...

And now...

They knew you when your heart was broken and your dreams dashed.  They knew you before breakups, makeups, job searches, promotions, firings, marriages, and babies. 

They knew you when your dreams were shiny and bright, before life intruded.  When you learned who you were and who you wanted to be.  They've known your highs and your lows.  And loved you the same during both. 

For me, these are the girls who knew me best.  Who sat in a church pew and celebrated my wedding last year.  And who - more than ten years ago - traveled in the days before Christmas to a different church to sit in a different pew as we celebrated my father's life.  They know me.  And for that, I am eternally grateful.