This past weekend at the lake was our annual guys get together. Five childhood friends. For many reasons I look forward to this weekend all year. We have known each other since childhood and that's where the (mostly true) stories began. Leading up to our annual event, I know I need to hibernate for a few days as there is very little sleep and way too much consumption during our short time together.
We have as many things distinct from each other as we have things in common. Some have moved away from our hometown of Dothan AL, while others live not too far from where they grew up. Some of us have lost our spouses, others are in lifelong relationships. We observe different religions mostly. Different professions. Not everyone roots for the same college football team although we each had at least one child all to attend the same college. We attended the same high school and most attended the same university and lived together during that time. What we do share, and this is what keeps bringing us back each year, are childhood and young adult experiences together.
Same neighborhoods and schools. Little League baseball. Allstars. High school football. House parties. Beach trips. Double dates. School dances. College parties and road trips. Weddings. And on and on and on.
Weekends like this are good for the soul. The same stories get retold, and most of them have at least a grain of truth woven in them. The belly laughs are nonstop. Even some snorts when the tales get deep. And they do get deep. Sometimes you have to leave the room to catch your breath. You know it's good when you are crying from laughing so hard. So good. Love it so much.
At the end of the weekend, when we hug goodbyes and hit the road toward our homes, you wish you could stay another day. Be in the moment. Share the memories. Discuss what's currently going on. Work through the problems. Acknowledge the miseries and the successes. Sharing advice, comfort, encouragement and support. We are dudes and not programmed to be vulnerable. I'm not saying that these were therapy sessions, but they were damn close. I would not trade these weekends for anything as these are my brothers. I love them all and they know it. And they love me.
As we get older, weekends like these become more important. We are fast approaching the age of 60 with our 40th high school reunion next summer. Gulp. Too many recent visits home have been for funerals or celebrations of life of our coaches, friends or loved ones. We make it a point to schedule the next year's event even before we leave from the current weekend.
Shane, Rob, Chris and other Chris. With Friends Like These ... Who Needs Them?
I do. We all do.
Bernard
(PS: We recently shared our stories in a podcast series about life growing up in Dothan.
Link: Circle City Goats and Dogs)
Link: Circle City Goats and Dogs)
