Mother's advice very helpful

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Aug 8, 2003 by Capital-Journal

I never partied a lot in school, and I rarely dated. But I remained close with that "gaggle of girls" throughout high school. Eventually, we came into our own. My best friend started out as a gangly gal with braces. By the time we were in high school, she developed into a beautiful, talented teen. (I have to admit I was kind of jealous of her good looks and tiny waist). The other two girls we ran around with became talented, guy-getting girls, too. One was cute and had a beautiful voice and the other was very outgoing.

We remained close-knit friends through high school. We mad a pact to never lose touch with each other.

That pact was broken in May 1993. My best friend made the decision early on in her senior year to join the military. I wasn't happy with her decision. We had made plans to go to college and live in the same dorm or house. She left the night of our graduation. She hopped on a bus, and I lost touch with her shortly after that. Sure, there's the occasional phone call or card, but I really don't know her any more.

I wanted her to be the maid of honor at my wedding, but she had too much going on in her own life. I was in her wedding, but it was kind of awkward because we didn't really have that bond we had in high school.

Things change.

The other two girls went to college together and remained close friends. Today, they live in different cities and only talk to each other on occasion.

My best friend from high school couldn't attend the 10-year reunion. The other two were there. We hugged and talked about what life used to be like before husbands and kids entered our lives.

At the end of the day, we hugged and said "let's keep in touch." I have a feeling that pact won't last either.

Things change. Life changes. We are just too busy with our own lives. It's sad, but true. Friends come and go, but memories last forever.

I will always remember the class band trip to Florida, our senior skip day and doing things "just for the thrill."

I'll make a gallant effort to keep in touch with my friends. I'll call them at Christmas and send cards, but eventually life will catch up with us and we'll get too busy.

But that's the great thing with childhood friends, we'll always have the memories. And, although we might not be able to talk weekly or even monthly, we still keep up with what's going on in each other's lives. I just hope we don't have to wait until our 20-year reunion to do so.