Friends Along for the Ride

When I visit Home - the place of my birth and early years - something strange happens to me. I feel revitalized, like a computer browser after it has been refreshed. My youth returns to me in giggles and gossip, and gazing into the faces of lifelong family and friends.

These are friends who by their ongoing presence bring me the comfort of that Home feeling again. Thoughts of them led me to taking time to reflect on and to appreciate the many friendships throughout my life – all those friends on the Ride.

Many friends have accompanied me on my ride. They come from places far and near, from generations older and younger, and with backgrounds, education and life experiences totally unlike mine. Yet, each has brought and continues to bring - joy, companionship, and comfort to my life. Friends from all times and all places provide that familiar feeling of Home – along on the Ride.

Friendship on the Ride

On the ride of our lives we randomly collide with others who are on their rides.

We play with them as children, we grow together as bulbs planted for later bloom.

We bump into each other in the hallways and classrooms of our schools.

We room with them upon leaving home, or study with them on campus.

And there is more.

We work with them in casual jobs or later in serious employment.

We grow taller together while doing the work we do to climb in our professions.

And then later, our lives connect with others’ in new neighborhoods:

We participate in organizations, worship, and meet through children’s activities.

Later, as our families expand to join other families, so do our friendships.

And then, when it seems that our space for friendship is filled to capacity,

we move, we retire, and we travel; and we become open to more and more of that magic elixir-

that sweetened drug of life,

Friendship         

Who are the friends along with you on your ride?