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Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

0 posted 2003-06-24 12:55 PM

Friendship's Gaps
By Larry Chadwick
For Linda

I did not think that I would ever get the chance. Time got away. Circumstances  kept things rolling without regard for details. With all the time that passed I had not considered the possibilities of bad things happening to her. She was so tender and giving. It just never entered my mind.

Twenty-five years ago my life was quite a mess. It was impossible for me to manage it alone. And when I reached out for help she was there in times when most would rather stay away. Everything that friendship would require was drawn upon. Consistently she saw me through. It was not the friendship that was abandoned or even neglected. But when she left town we lost track.

During all that time I never forgot of her friendship. And from time to time I reflected on those moments and wondered. Still time continued on. Until last weekend. Actually it was the weekend before that when I bumped into her daughter unexpectedly. I should have seen  that as a clue. But not me.

I was stunned to see her there. She had aged but she had done it so well. Nothing about her appearance surprised me. How could twenty-five years ago feel like yesterday? We hugged. And I was surprised by her surprise at my ability to recognize her. She would have passed right by me. Oddly I took satisfaction from that.

We capsulized twenty-five years in less than an hour. My divorce that was not a shock to her. The death of my daughter followed  ten weeks later by the death of my dad. But her time capsule floored me. She was a Pastor’s wife that became a Pastor. Divorce. Retirement. Extremes in fortune. My heart went out to her. For both of us things had never been worse. Or better. I owed her so much. Incredible how grief had improved us both. And I got to thank her.

But I had no idea that friendship could go twenty-five years in silence and resume as if it were yesterday. She continues to teach me so much. I always liked that about her. I do not want to test our friendship that way again. Yet it is comforting to know…I will always have a friend. Until then, Linda you are the best.

May 11, 2003

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

[This message has been edited by Larry C (06-24-2003 12:59 AM).]

tonia
Junior Member

since 2003-06-13

Posts 41
taiwan

1 posted 2003-06-24 09:51 AM

wow...you guys must've had a really tight bond between eachother. I'm impressed. I wish you can always maintain your relationship forever. good piece.
tonia =)

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

2 posted 2003-06-24 09:56 AM

tonia,
Actually we never socialized. I worked with her children at church and admired her and her family from a distance. But when I needed her...she was there. And thank you.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

3 posted 2003-06-25 08:01 PM

what a nice thank you to your friend Linda.
You are the sweetest peach on the tree, yanno that?

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

4 posted 2003-06-26 10:06 AM

Kacy,

Thanks.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Krawdad
Member Elite

since 2001-01-03

Posts 2597

5 posted 2003-06-26 06:16 PM

And friends are bridges, are they not?

Nice piece, L.C., glad you wrote it.

Kraw'

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

6 posted 2003-06-27 12:28 PM

Krawdad,
Now is a good time for that connection. Perfect, thanks.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

kaile

Member Ascendant

since 2000-02-06

Posts 5146
singapore

7 posted 2003-06-28 11:33 AM

hmm, i'm back for now

an uplifting testimony to the power of friendship. sometimes i get so cynical about friendships and wonder. this piece shows, i think, the need to place faith in the belief that friends out of sight are not out of mind and that a separation isn't always permanent

enjoyed!

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

8 posted 2003-06-29 12:33 PM

kaile,
And it is so good to have you back. Gives me some action in prose! LOL And I couldn't agree more. Thanks for the nice words.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

9 posted 2003-07-01 05:01 PM

quote:
But I had no idea that friendship could go twenty-five years in silence and resume as if it were yesterday.

But Larry, it was a FriendShip...and when done right? They last a lifetime!

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

10 posted 2003-07-01 09:10 PM

Karilea,
Thank you. Yeah, but it sure feels good to prove it once in a while.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

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