Childhood Friends

There comes a time in our lives when you get to start saying that you've known, and I mean really known, somebody for over half your life, and I don't mean family. I feel privileged to say that Kathleen and I fit the bill! We met in 5th grade of Elementary School, were best friends through to the end of 6th grade, and then went off to our separate High Schools, CEGEPs, Universities, Summer Jobs, Trips... but through it all we stayed friends, seeing each other less and less frequently. By the end we saw each other only about once every 6 months, and then only for a Bubble Tea and catch up session that usually went way into the night. Still, we somehow managed to plan and take an amazing trip, and got along splendidly!

Kathleen has spent the last few weeks in Vancouver, working at a dessert restaurant, and we got to see each other every week... which still felt like decades after being together 24/7 while in California. Today, we spent a few more precious hours together before she left to go berry picking in the Okanagan for a month before heading back to Montreal.

I just wanted to take this time to truly acknowledge the gift we were given: we grew into adults separately, but we did not grow apart. Our summer together, the first we spent in the same city since mid-High School I would guess, reaffirmed what we already knew in our hearts: I know her inside and out, as she knows me; therefore we can't hide anything, and we know the meaning of complete acceptance. It's refreshing. It's freeing. It's unique.

Kathleen, you've thanked me a hundred times for the summer, here is my own thank you. Tu m'as appris à avoir plus confience en la vie. Et ça, c'est précieux. Merci.