Bookends

Old friends, bookends.

Old friends are the ones who keep you standing tall when you slouch.  They came along in the beginning, and God willing, they will be there at the end.  In between are many chapters.  Sometimes years of pages get ripped out.  It doesn't matter to an old friend  They paste the pictures together, fill in the empty paragraphs, start a new book.

An old friend will listen to your complaints and give you advice before you ask.  You don't mind, because your old friend knows you and knows your needs.  An old friend knew you when you were really you, before time took its toll and before you lost yourself.  They remind you of days at the Plaza,  pampas grass, buttons and Barbie dolls.

Old friends let you talk about anything on your mind.  You can discuss religion and politics, money and relationships without fear because to your old friend it's just a piece of who you are, not your essence.  Your old friend has seen you without make-up and doesn't run away screaming in fright. Your old friend will bring you a Coke if you ask, and even if you don't. Old friends remember that you like rhubarb.and don't want oysters on the menu;  they will give you peanut butter before you ask and not put jelly on it unless it is peach or apricot preserves.  Your old friend doesn't care if you weigh more than you did, if you are balding or wrinkled. Old friends are glad to have you around, and your physical appearance and props don't matter.

Your old friend rejoices when you are happy or when you have found out something new about yourself. Your old friend cries for you when you are sad, hugs you when you need one, makes you walk when you want to sit in front of the TV because it's better for you.  Old friends finish your sentences because they know what you were going to say.  They gently chastise you if you can't tell the difference between cherry and strawberry Kool Aid, but it is with a laugh, not a snarl.

Old friends can be trusted with your life and your secrets.  They know when you are lying to them and will gently guide you to the truth.  They will lead you to God because they love you; they will keep you in their prayers because they genuinely care, but they won't insist that you share their faith or be ousted from their lives.

Today I counted how many friends from other days have come back into my life in the last year.  Some I have known for more than fifty-five of my nearly sixty years.  Some I have known more than forty.  Amazing, since I am only sixteen (Celsius). Some I knew well back then, others were on the periphery.  I lost count.  In today's throw-away society I am truly blessed.

There are still some who are missing.  I hope to find them someday, before the books tumble to the floor and the powers that be decide to toss them in the trash.  There are still some missing pages,  even whole chapters.  I will find more of my old friends, watch and see.