I keep in steady contact with just two good friends that go right back to my childhood. By steady contact I mean we meet once a year and it is always during the Holiday season.

I wish we met more often but that’s the reality of our lives. We’re busy with kids, businesses, jobs, family and our current circle of friends and obligations.  So you better believe I treasure that once a year meeting.

It’s usually over lunch or dinner. Last year we met at my house. In previous years we met at restaurants. Regardless of where we meet the discussion is at least 3 hours.

Between talk of husbands, divorces, our kids (well only one of these two old GF’s has children), in-laws, the aging process, our careers, our dreams and what we’re going to have for dessert, 3 hours is hardly enough.

But we make do because it’s not what’s said that counts but the fact that we’re with one another.  When you’re with old friends it’s about being with someone familiar. It’s spending hours with someone who is so in sync with your humor, your HISTORY, your desires that you can both speak at once and know exactly what the other person said (this drives my husband nuts).

Last year my sweet friend A went on a once in a lifetime trip to Africa with her partner. She visited countries I haven’t even pronounced yet alone seen. She brought over her MAC and we sat at the dining room table, looking at her pictures on screen hours after dinner had ended. It was like I was in that exotic looking bed and breakfast in Tanzania with her or waking up at dawn to join her on that early morning safari in Kenya.

I hope she knows how much I appreciated that evening. With anyone else I would have been entertained but with it being “her” trip I felt I was there…not just because of her pictures but because she was with me sharing all the little moments she knew I’d enjoy.

Next week I’ll be meeting with my other “best girlfriend” and I can’t wait! M and I speak even faster than I do with A.  She’s been with me through the happy and sad times of college and our early 20’s - when a break up felt like the Apocalypse and love was like drowning.

I might be a bit melodramatic with my words, but really that’s how it felt…back then.  Compared to my 20’s this period I’m in now–these 40+ years–are so mellow.  Yes there are challenges and even sadness at times as real life hits, but the strength of the relationships I have today, the spirit of my children and their successes and life’s overall ups and downs is so much more gratifying…at least that’s how it feels at this stage.

When M and I meet next week, we’ll probably focus on that mellow stuff, at least for a while, then for old time sake we’ll likely speed talk our way through the absurdity and joy of married life, motherhood, and sagging boobs!