Last night I found myself sitting on a bamboo patio with a handful of friends enjoying mouthwatering shrimp, cool beer, a refreshing breeze and most importantly wonderful company! And as I sat listening to the relaxed banter, I was warmed at how natural and easy everything was.
Of the seven people with me, two couples had been out of the country for over a year, one couple I had seen maybe eight times over the past year and the last gentleman even less than that. Nevertheless, nothing was forced or faked. There was no small talk. No long pauses where people sought for the ‘right’ topic of conversation. We all just seemed to slip into the evening as if we had just seen each other for coffee the week before.
At the end of the night as we hugged our farewells, one of the woman said to me, “It was great. When I got here, I was so excited to see you because it had been so long. But then I thought, of course I was going to see you. It’s been so long, but you’re Shane. Of course I was going to see you.” I gave her a warm hug and nodded my head in agreement because she had voiced my exact sentiments. It had been a long while since I had seen these friends and it might be another long passing before I see them again, but when we do (and we will) it will be just the same. The conversation and company will be genuine, honest and very real.
Real, like the gift I received this morning in the form of a very touching blog posting (Read the Faces of Joy) from another very special friend whom I also haven’t seen in a few years. (It’s weird how things just seem to connect!) She also reminded me that time and distance mean nothing to true friendship. Steal my Sunshine, by Len, was my summer song of 1999. It was also the song that was playing in my car stereo the day that she and I solidified a brother and sister relationship that keeps us connected even through we are so far apart.
What matters most in friendship is an open and honest acceptance of each other. Time and distance don’t matter. They are just something to talk about over the next cup of coffee.
Steal my Sunshine youtube link
Memories, Insights and a Kickass Playlist 
Love ya bro.
Back at ya sis!
Nice….
You have a special little girl! You ain’t so bad yourself! 😉 hugs to you and yours!
Thanks for writing this. Reminds me that friendships aren’t any less real when you don’t see each other for a while. Sure hope to be back sitting on a patio catching up someday not too far in the future. Miss you guys.
I can’t wait for the same! The two of you look fantastic in your photos. (well, not so much Danny’s chin. Hope he’s feeling better.) Instead of the patio let’s say at a cottage… Miss you both too!