Reunions

There are few more emotionally gratifying moments than a reunion with someone you care about. There's the anticipation of seeing someone you haven't seen for a long time, and then when you do see them, you've grown in such parallel ways that it's like you'd never been apart.

I felt that this last weekend when Mike and Kristina Christopherson stayed with us for a few days. I've known them both since the 7th Grade at Bonneville Junior High in Salt Lake. Everytime I see them, they have such a great way of making you feel good about yourself. We had a great time. I had hoped it wouldn't end, but then of course, the reunion wouldn't be as special.

I noticed it again Monday night when Andrew's friend Sam stopped by. Sam and Andrew became close friends last year, but Sam's family moved to Salt Lake last summer. When Andrew found out Sam was moving, I think it was the first time in his life he had ever felt real, honest sorrow. He stopped by Monday night for just a few minutes. As Andrew waited for him to come over, I could sense his anticipation. When Sam's mom dropped him off, the excitement that both of them felt, while trying to maintain their cool, was obvious.

Both experiences reminded me of the fact that, no matter what friends you have in your life, those that you develop in your youth just seem to stick with you forever.