Patchwork

A lot has happened in the last 10 years. That's putting it mildly. Still, I find the compulsion to search for friends of yesterday and am thrilled when I find them.

My running-buddies throughout the years have changed quite a bit. As I went through my phases while fighting to find out who I really am, my friends changed a bit. Sure, there are the few that stuck... like Weezy* and Herman*, but for the most part, they were "phase friends". The goodie-goodie phase, the pothead phase, the punk phase, the sorority girl phase, the hippie phase, the yuppie phase... you get it. Only now that I can say I've figured out who I am and I'm all PHASED OUT... can I say I still love each and every person who has befriended me throughout the years.

Example: Craig. Out of the blue he sprung to mind so I searched for his name online. I found him on MySpace. I sent him a message and now we're back in touch. I feel a little bit of my "long lost friend" void lovingly filled now. I still love him. I always have. He was one of those friends who just makes you feel better if you're within a five mile radius of each other. The breath of fresh air, the person who'll sit and complain with you when you're in a mood to cuss the world... that was Craig. Well, it seems that IS Craig. I just love him to pieces. He's such an important part of who I am now because of the influences and love he gave me in years past.

He's just one example; the most recent "fabulous find." There are others. And I love them, too.

Isn't it odd that as we grow and change, little pieces of ourselves stay with us like a patchwork quilt. We wouldn't each be the individual work of art we are without all the squares, all the stitches, all the patches from tears, rips and heartache. We wouldn't be nearly as beautiful if we'd just dropped the squares when we were finished stitching them... I'm so glad to hold on; I'm so blessed to be able to hold on.