A family met on a warm Illinois day
unloading a fantastic electric, blue van.
Fast, first impressions of warmth/sincerity/kindness.
Lending a helping hand.
Forming an instant friendship/bond.
Time spent together…
picnics in the park
kids playing outside,
kitchen table conversation.
Still hearing echoes of laughter
following rousing discussions of complex
social/political issues.
Spouses pounding fists on tables,
then release of emotion in laughter
anticipating the possibility/expectation …
one day being solutions
to serious concerns.
A time when we had all the answers.
And endless bottles of cheap wine.
College years passed in a blur …
old car/blue van racing between classes/daycare/
baby-trading/work-study/jobs.
Then, college done.
At last, degrees in hand.
Time to part
amid tears/hugs/promises to keep in touch.
The passage of long, busy years.
Child-rearing/careers/divorce/
old-new romances/marriage/re-marriage/life.
Meeting again ….reminiscence.
old memories revisited as the years fade
unreal behind us.
Discovering/making new ones.
New spouses/careers/children/hopes/dreams.
Friendship.
A bond that strengthens with times past/present … forever.