Friday, July 10, 2009

Pencil me in for our 'usual' time


I have a friend I consider my 'best friend' though really, what is a best friend?

I'm quite judgemental (toward myself as well as others).

He flunks many of the 'pre-requisites' for being a 'best friend.'

But, for now, he'll do! Just kidding. He's a gem (though he does have his short comings! See what I mean!!).

He's over 2,000 miles away. And, I think, can he still be my 'best friend?'

We don't talk as often as we used to and definitely do not see each other as much.

When he lived in town, we were inseparable.

And though he was in town, we still spent hours and hours on the phone!


However, I think I still 'can' consider him one of my best friends.

Honestly, I speak to him at least twice a week if not more --which is more than I speak to anyone else on the phone, including family.

I only see him about twice a year --but in those weeks, we are inseparable. During those visits, I see him more than I see many other friends and family members all year long.


The problem is coordinating our phone talks and visits.

It seems the only time we can 'pencil each other in' for our meaningful talks on the phone occupies a very small window of opportunity.

It's that 15-30 minutes when I am just getting off of work, and so is he.

It's the time of day when it does not impede my work because I am off the clock but I have not gotten home to my 'more important' job in life of being a caregiver.

Once I put that hat on, everything flies out the window and I have no time for anyone, for anything, for me, even short phone conversations.


So, a few times a week, I'll give him a buzz on the ride home hoping he has 'pencilled me in for our usual talk time.'

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