2-20-2024 12:59pm

Running into an Old Friend from High School

Christine Larkin Editor

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SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - RUNNING IN TO AN OLD FRIEND FROM HIGH SCHOOL

Friendships come, and friendships go. But running into an old friend from high school can feel like time has stood still.

That's just what happened to me recently. I moved from Long Island to New York City a few years after graduation. Some of my friends stayed, got married and raised a family while others moved like I did. One friend in particular stayed on my mind. We had lost touch. I had often wondered what happened to her and what came of her life. I may as well have moved to another planet. Maybe she did, too. I was now living in Brooklyn and working on Planet Manhattan.

So, one day, I was sitting in a local cafe in Bay Shore, sipping my coffee while indulging myself with a glazed donut. The place was packed with all kinds of people as I gazed across the room to see my old friend walk in. A big smile came over my face as she headed towards me. She didn't recognize me right away, but I recognized her immediately. Then, with arms wide open we came together and hugged. It had been over 40 years since I had seen my long, lost friend. She had moved upstate, got married, and just retired. She was on Long Island to visit her sister who had recently been widowed. We sat down together and talked about our lives. It was like no time had passed as we jumped right back into things.

I read recently that most of our experiences and memories fade away, but the ones that linger are the fabric of who we become. This certainly was a confirmation of that. I told her that I remembered her "Green Machine" as we called her vintage Rambler. We'd drive around for hours on adventures to nowhere in particular. We reminisced about our nights out at a beloved reggae club where we'd dance to the dub until the wee hours. I reminded her that we had tickets to see Bob Marley at Madison Square Garden when he took ill, and his concert was cancelled. What a bummer that was. We both remained devoted Marley fans. We wound up closing the cafe.

So why does running into an old friend make us feel so happy? For one, it can conger up memories that have gone dormant. It can take us back in time to feelings of joy from our youth. And it reminds us that those feelings may fade, but they never fade away completely.

I think it's fair to say that we never really leave high school. This is where we begin to learn and wonder about life. It's where we form deep, lasting friendships. It's where teachers become mentors and role models. It's where our interests take ahold of us, and our dreams begin to take shape. It's where we become inspired and wonder what lies ahead. And perhaps it's a place where we fall in love for the very first time. Just like an old high school friend who never really leaves us.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, running into an old friend can bring back memories that make us feel like a teenager again.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - A FAVORITE PLACE FROM YOUR YOUTH

Think about where you enjoyed going when you were younger. Maybe it still exists? If it does, maybe now is a good time to revisit it.

For me, it's Sagtikos Manor in Bay Shore. This is an historical home where George Washington once stayed. I used to play on the grounds of this modest mansion when I was growing up. With its prickly overgrowth and wild berry trees, my friends and I would get lost for hours along its dirt paths. Sometimes, we'd end up in the ancient graveyard of the families who lived here. This was a magical place where our imaginations ran wild. I still go there.

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Please protect my friends, near and far, and watch over all of their days. Amen.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What was your favorite place to go when you were younger?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble below next to the heart. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you.

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS by PAUL SIMON

LYRICS

I met my old lover on the street last night
She seemed so glad to see me, I just smiled
And we talked about some old times, and we drank ourselves some beers
Still crazy after all these years
Oh, still crazy after all these years

I'm not the kind of man who tends to socialize
I seem to lean on old familiar ways
And I ain't no fool for love songs that whisper in my ears
Still crazy after all these years
Oh, still crazy after all these years

Four in the morning
Crapped out, yawning
Longing my life away
I'll never worry
Why should I?
It's all gonna fade

Now I sit by my window and I watch the cars
I fear I'll do some damage one fine day
But I would not be convicted by a jury of my peers
Still crazy after all these years
Oh, still crazy
Still crazy
Still crazy after all these years

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ABOUT SKYLARK

My brand, Skylark Live, consists of a weekly newsletter; Skylark Live Town News, and a monthly vlog; 60 and Beyond with Skylark. I’m still mulling around the idea of monthly in-person chats called The Skylark Sessions. This is a work in progress. They are all designed to inspire and motivate people to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness at 60 and beyond. Andiamo! Let's go!

Skylark Live Town News - My weekly newsletter features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. And, I throw in Italian words because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

60 and Beyond with Skylark Vlog - This is my first Monday-of-the month vlog that is inspirational and motivational and is a reflection of what I've written about in my newsletter throughout the month. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel, as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link to subscribe:

Support me on Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for just $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newsletter and create my vlogs. Just click the link: Skylark Live | 60 and Beyond with Skylark | Patreon

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Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day.