Friendship is an amazing thing. All friends begin as strangers and then over time become more like family, either remaining friends for a long time or more often over time drifting away as a memory on a timeline. Lifelong friendships are much like family siblings who can be close, but often quite distant from each other, held together by a form of invisible bond. And so it was today. I haven't seen Chris or his wife Nicki for a few years, but Chris is my oldest friend. I've known him since he was 6 months old. We went through childhood together, I was his best man, and we've kept in touch. With them today is Cameron, soon to be Doctor Cameron. And lets not forget 12 year old Oscar. Those friendships which grow then wither do so for reasons of change. We change. Our view on the world changes over time. So friends at school who we played games with may not be compatible in adult life when discussing politics. I've been lucky in that from school I've kept three friends. Plus a few others who are friends at a distance via social media and a Christmas card or two. The former are the friends with a connection more akin to family members. Chris and I met in a pub this afternoon, no awkward how are you? what was the drive like? We just somehow began the conversation where it left off 2 or 3 years ago. Our respective backstory is known, history is unsaid, the present is all that matters. Much like long lost siblings, that bond from decades before is strong even if the actual physical contact is absent for months and years. Lifelong friends are special. It was a good day chat, lunch and a walk up a blustery hillside.
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