Upgrades

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After a long day, there’s nothing better than a few laughs with the girls. I had completely forgotten we’d made plans to meet up, so when my friend Jen asked if I wanted to ride with her, my answer was a very relieved “yes!”

Bethany was in town for the night, and now that she no longer lives nearby, any visit becomes the perfect excuse for all of us to get together. She’s busy planning her wedding and finalizing details for the October nuptials, so it was especially nice to carve out a little time to celebrate this season of life with her.

Not all the girls from our little gang could make it, but for a Monday night, we were pretty impressed to gather five of us together. We always meet at Camden’s, always sit at the same table, and somehow always manage to pick up right where we left off.

There’s something special about friendships that stand the test of time. I’ve never really understood why some people instantly click while others, although perfectly lovely,  just never quite fit into your life the same way. Years ago, I jokingly called these girls my “B Team” because they were my newer circle of friends. But now, after nearly twenty years together, they’ve more than earned top billing.

Some of their kids are graduating high school this year, others are finishing college, and through every milestone, weddings, babies, graduations, heartbreaks, celebrations, and everything in between, we’ve continued showing up for one another. That kind of friendship is rare, and I never take it for granted.

At some point around 9:30, someone mentioned the time, and I nearly fell off my stool. How was I still out on a Monday night that late?! Since I’d ridden with Jen, I was basically captive, but thankfully she knows me well enough to recognize when I’m fading fast. She hurried the bill along so we could head home, in her giant car that actually talks to her when she starts it, greeting her by name like something out of a sci-fi movie.

I’m not quite ready for a new car yet, but when the time comes, I fully expect some futuristic upgrades of my own. Maybe I’ll hold out for a 2030 model.... four more years of technology should bring some pretty wild innovations. Considering how long I tend to keep my cars, the next one I buy might actually be my last. That thought feels a little strange… but I have to admit, I’m excited to see what the future brings.

“A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.” ~ Unknown