So ten years, a whole decade had passed since we had last met. Our Life was not meant to be together, and our friendship is just a passing shadow, not real between us. We were surprised to discover each other, after all these years, and find we had some things, still in common between us. The times we have lived in the past few years, have seen a lot of change, in how we live, but we have also made deep friendships. There are people more engaged with their smart phone, and Apple world now, that they do not communicate very well, with humans around them. Meals have become a chore, and more patrons at restaurants are dissatisfied with their servings, as they spend too much time on their communication devices; and letting the presentation wilt, and the food becomes cold and insipid.
So I did not miss you, as life had me in its grip, but now it is different. We actually look up from our iPhones and talk to each other. The meetings of eyes, the sly smiles, the hearty laugh seem so strange, as who had heard of laughter; in the time, of cell phones? We have become slaves, of our devices, and we are more taken up in their care, rather than enjoying the time of life; given to each one of us. With each passing moment we lose a little, but instead with you around; I gain a lot. We are friends after all, and friendship, has its own songs. It has its own verse, language and when appropriate; music, from a common culture. We are so much alike, that I could be looking in a mirror of minds, a common consciousness of the universe; in, and around us. We speak and see as one, and all around us is in harmony, as love flows; where friendship lays, its foundation.
So over Thirty years of my life has passed with you besides me, and everything I am now, is because of you. We have made a life out of nothing, and the credit goes; mainly to you. It is as if, our times, are meant for improving. We make everything look so easy as circumstances and fortune made its own paths, around us. We had enough, as we had each other; and the children made it easier. Life is so busy, and we are so engrossed in living it; that time just passes, as if it’s a river. You and me sat and we watched the river of life flow from its banks, and raised our kids and made our friends. All of ours, has floated down the river of time, and yet we are still stronger, than before. This is a time and a place, that we can rightfully call our own. We have arrived in our place, and we have peace, as we are who we are; and there is no duplicity here.
As we grow older, we have to learn to be more forgiving, and also kinder; to those dear ones, who are around us. The fury and anger, of getting one’s own way, is no longer as strong, as one starts to mellow down. Life is no longer a war with others, for one’s survival, but a time for relaxation, and enjoyment. Play games, read books, enjoy card games, take long walks, be closer to nature as soon nature is going to be, closer to us than. we will ever want it to be. Enjoy the time on this earth, as it is a song, which our life sings in happiness. Will we be the choir? or will our words ring out? clear and loud, for all to hear? Will they stand and cheer for the way we lived, when we are no longer here?
Life is full of surprises, but the greatest surprise I discovered, is the one, I played on myself. When I was young, I had a future; and some, rosy dreams, and the whole world was at my feet. Time passed, in dreams of tomorrow; and the brave new world, and the brotherhood of men; where everyone is successful. In an Ayn Rand way giant industries grow around us and the world progresses and everyone is rich or at least living well. What I could have been, and what I have become; is a strange difference, of my perception and your reality. Sometimes it is me, and then it is the one I am becoming, so now I know, that I just am. It has become too hard, to be trying to change, as I have already become. As thirty years together, have not changed me, so also has life not made me bitter. Even a twisted Pretzel is nothing, compared to the round about ways; that my life turned and on so many different planes, that to feel the wholeness of this moment, is very uncanny. I sit, I meditate,Being Here, I am, yet it is strange to love another, more than oneself. We are all born, and we will all feel love and spread love and joy  We should arrive bringing gifts of love and compassion, and reduce human hatred all around us, We will all pass on, leaving our shared culture, to our daughters, sons, family, friends and this universe.

Image: “Friendships in adulthood” JLS Media on flicker.