Friendship

When I was a kid we moved around a lot. I attended 8 different schools between kindergarten (moved after two weeks to a district without kindergarten) and graduating high school. That doesn't leave a lot of childhood friends with whom I have kept in touch. In fact, it doesn't leave any.

My longest friendship with an individual to date started in college. I've got a good buddy in Arkansas whom I haven't seen as often as I like over the years, but with whom I still share phone conversations, cards, and letters (e-mails more recently). We used to vacation together about once a year, attending Star Trek conventions or spending New Year's together.

I have several great friends from my years in East-Central IL. One tells everyone I was a college roommate, when in reality she was in college and I was launched into my second career when we met. But she is godmother to my child and I am godmother to her girls. My daughter's other godmother is still in C-U, but I wonder for how much longer. She and her husband are talking retirement, but I don't think they have a specific date in mind. I'm betting they plan to move closer to their kids and grandkids when that happens.

My daughter's two godfathers are also among my best friends. One moved to the east coast and the other is still in IL. I miss all of these people quite a bit.

However, I have realized that a person I expected to like before moving here is quickly becoming my best Louisiana buddy. And based on popular lore and stereotypical jokes, one wouldn't have expected it. However, I figured out this morning that the person outside of my household with whom I spend the most time, with whom I do the most fun things, and with whom I speak via telephone most often, is my mother-in-law! So--thanks, Lit, for the fantastic welcome to the family. I really appreciate all you have done.