Expectations Suck

I'm young. I'm a fresh high school grad, recently finished my first semester at UIndy, and figuring out this crazy life of mine. But there's a lesson I've learned during my new found independence.

A few days before graduation day, a seasoned adult revealed their opinion of my future friendships. 

"The people you call friends right now, at this moment, will not be your friends 20 years from now... [insert additional life facts]....it's the friends you make in college that will be lifelong. They're the one's who will be in your wedding."

While these words of wisdom remain true for some, I swore this wouldn't be my fate. See, during my years in high school, I tried to stay off the radar. "Belonging" to a group never sounded appealing to me. This resilience led me to make many different types of friends. I built strong relationships, formed solid bonds, and became extremely close to eight special people. Eight people who mean the world to me. 

When the scary potential hit me, that we may lose contact  (as most high school pals do) a certain sadness overwhelmed me. It was then I vowed that this wouldn't be our fate. 

One semester of college later the harsh reality sunk in-- staying in contact isn't easy. No, it's far from easy. It takes work and time and balance. Eight inseparable people, each going in different directions, each with totally different life plans. How can we make this work? 

We said that we'd visit. We said that we'd call. We said that we'd make a true effort. We said it. We promised it. We pinky swore. Truth is-- we seldom called, we didn't visit, but we kept our good intentions. 

This thing called life took over, full swing. Time became scarce as academic obligations piled, and keeping in touch proved to be a challenge. 

The eight of us were changing, growing, and living our own hectic lives. The real world doesn't allow for unconditional amounts of time dedicated to friendship. But even though time is unforgiving, my best memories  happened because of these people. Life moments happened in their presence, healing moments. And no matter where our lives take us, we will be there for each other, forever. 

I had an Ugly Christmas Sweater party while on Christmas Break. I invited eight special people. They came. They shared their college stories, wore their ugliest of ugly sweaters, and in that moment time froze. It was as if we'd never left each other. It was exactly like old times. We sat in a room full of laughter, full of love, full of friendship. 

The lesson that I learned through this life experience-- strong bonds can never be broken, no matter how many miles stand between you and that person whom you call your best friend. Neglect can be a nasty thing. But it's never too late. It's never too late to call an old pal, simply to ask how they're doing. It's never too late to plan lunch with that person you grew up with and a part from. 

In this great life, there are great people. People we call friends. People that will lead a life miles away, but will always hold a place close to the heart. 

Friendship is a crazy thing. It's kind of like a candle. Even when the wick has been blown out, and the flame has died, grab a lighter (or a match) and re-light that wick. It'll burn, just like it did before.