I'm watching the sun come up (a very rare occurrence these days), and I'm wondering why I don't do this more often. The sun yawning and stretching its rays into the treetops to the harmony of the doves' serenade is one of the most peacefully enlightening moments. I could write every day at this time if I would (i.e., could) just get myself out of bed. I tend to sleep it all away. What a mistake.
And last night I realized that I sometimes "sleep away" my most precious friendships. Different state, different city, different job....and somehow all those special bonds end up lost in the past somewhere. I move on and almost forget. I tuck them away somewhere inside where they are safe...almost too safe of a place to ever be found again. Like a trunk in the attic that you always think you'll revisit someday but that gets pushed into a lonely forgotten corner getting dusty and old on the outside, while inside the photographs and memories stay vivid and alive...waiting.
And then once in a while, my heart just decides it's had enough. It misses them. I miss them. I yearn for every one of them. Every smile, every heartbreak....all of it.
And then the miracle happens.
I reach out to them...and they reach back. I open the trunk, and there they are as colorful and true as the day I tucked them away. Forgivingly embracing me. Despite my careless absence, they love me still.
True friends.
I am so thankful for their gift of endless love.
