Back in 9th grade, before driver's licenses and promise rings, Larry and I went steady. He wrapped my house and wrote me notes, gave me a corsage and escorted me onto the football field at halftime as part of the Homecoming Court, sat in the backseat with me while his brother's friend shuttled us to dinner afterwards at the Monument Inn, and obligingly attended my Sunday School teacher's Christian rock concerts (the Hope of Glory - they were awesome!)
About two months later - maybe three - we broke up.
Years passed. And more years. We shared grief at a friend's passing. Chatted at our sons' preschool holiday parties. Sent Christmas cards. Then stopped. Years passed.
There was an email...an afternoon spent watching a one-act play and visiting outside on a bench...a high school reunion...gatherings of friends...more emails...
And what do you know? A tiny seed planted so long ago, overlooked and ignored for years, has blossomed into a friendship that I treasure, and that will not ever be overlooked or ignored again.
Happy 50th Birthday, Larry, dear friend! You are truly a blessing in my life!
