Diane & Fran's Excellent Reunion: Day 3

This little entry answers the question: Can old high-school friends who have not seen each other in 55 years still have anything to say to one another?

As Diane's photo seems to reply: "Are you kidding?!"

The two friends spent a really glorious day together on Wednesday; Diane arrived at my "guesthouse" around 10 AM, and after hugs and exclamations, we had coffee and gabbed about everything that had occured in our lives in more recent times. When it was lunchtime, we set out on our Grand Tour, with me driving and D. navigating, which turned out to be the ideal arrangement; Diane beats me all to hell when it comes to reading maps and sensing which way is up. We toured the campus area, as the carillon bells were chiming merrily, and finding nary a parking spot to be had, we gave up on our dream to have lunch once again in the Michigan League as in days of yore; and we had the same luck (or lack thereof) finding parking anywhere downtown. So we drove out of town a short distance to a roadhouse and had a fine salad lunch and more chatter – followed by a tour of old neighborhoods we'd both known, and ending up at the beloved Washtenaw Dairy, where we had the ice cream of our ancient dreams – absolutely the best I've ever had in my life, to this very day.

We both needed to catch our breath, so we separated for an hour's nap in our respective hostels; and then we had the Yearbook Session, laughing at our pictures and those of remembered classmates and teachers, for a couple of hours. Then it was off again for more food: we had a super German supper at an old traditional Oktoberfest haunt, where a friendly waitress took photos of us together, on Diane's camera; when they arrive from her to me I'll share them.

After a good sleep overnight, we had breakfast together and a final summing up of where our hearts and minds are at the age of 73 years. We shared "best and worst moments," the most beautiful places we'd ever been, greatest joys and greatest regrets; both of us were ready with answers on the tip of our tongues. It was astounding that our many conversations occured as easily as if we'd just spent two hours gabbing on the phone last night (with our parents yelling, "hang it up and do your homework, NOW!") – and were just taking up where we'd left off, the next day. 55 years melted away from the moment she got out of her car on Wednesday morning and we ran into each other's arms.

That, my friends, is friendship. And for it, I thank God.

We both thought, gazing at the yearbook together, that we were geeky ugly ducklings back in the day; but in this day, my opinion of Diane is that she is truly beautiful; I am mature enough to see the brave, smart, loving woman she has become over the years; and I am in awe of her courage and strength in dealing with the adversities that life brings, and of her steady, calm and hopeful spirit.

Many things change and die, in life; but a great friendship is forever.