My friend Faye and I have been friends since first grade – we shared scraped knees, chicken pox, pimples and boyfriend woes. And then for many years we lost touch.
We reconnected recently and I invited her to go with me to see the Cincinnati Reds play the Miami Marlins while I was visiting my hometown.
Munching on peanuts and diet cokes, I pointed out that I had never run into one person from grade school while at a Reds game.
The game ends. We walk briskly to my car and I carefully back out – warily watching for clueless fans who meander around the parking garage without looking. As I accelerate forward, I spot two men to my right, instantly recognizing one of them.
“Omg! It’s Tommy!” I exclaim to Faye.
I jam on the brake, frantically searching for the power window release to roll down the window. I yell out – like a mad woman – “Tommy! Tommy! Tommy!”
Tommy turns quickly, instantly recognizes my friend and I and yells, “Pull over – pull over!”
And I do.
The conversation and intense hugging that follows among us is pretty predictable for grade school buddies who haven’t seen each other in years. But that isn’t what struck me so powerfully.
What did strike me so forcefully? Driving in a car
A good buddy beside me
Spotting a friend
Waving frantically to get his attention
It was one of the most powerful Deja Vu experiences I have had in years.
In those short seconds of initial connection with Tommy, I recalled vividly:
The joy of being sixteen years old
The freedom my driver’s license brought me
The happiness of having a friend beside me
And the sheer pleasure of running unexpectedly into another
I needed to be reminded of the pure joy being alive at age 16 could bring.
And I need to bring that sense of wonder and excitement forward as I turn 75 today.
Keep Preserving Your Bloom,
Iris Ruth Pastor
PS: What throwback moment hurdled you back to your coming-of-age years?