Old Home Week

It feels like old home week around here, I'm tellin' ya. First I get an email from a girl I went to highschool with (likely about 20 years ago...or so). Then I get an email from the person who has been a steady, tried and true friend since I was 10 years old.......so almost 3/4 of my life she's been there for me. Then today, I hear from a 'girl' (ok, she's a woman, I am too, but we're all still girls at heart) who was my room-mate for about a year in my late teens.

It made me think about my life and how different it would have been had I taken a different path. My friend Cathy (my friend since I was 10) went to University and is still (18 years later) going after her dreams (I worked right out of high school for a few years then stayed home to raise my kids). No kids (I have 3). 'Divorced' twice (like me) and now found her 'perfect match' (ditto). She just bought a house (mine is up for sale). What do I wonder? If I had gone to University, how different would my life be??

Lisa, my highschool friend, moved out of town when we were about 16 years old. Kept in touch over the years, here and there. After 14 years of marriage, she left a controlling husband to start life anew. She still sounds like the same 'girl' I knew 'back in the day'. Sent pics of her kids (gorgeous by the way!!) and of herself. She has barely changed a bit. It's amazing isn't it? The more things change the more they stay the same. What do I wonder? If my family had moved (again) when I was in high school, what difference would it have made in my life??

Lastly, Kim. We shared an apartment for about a year when were about 18/19. She was much more outgoing than I was (I was the one sitting in the corner watching everyone else). Well, after getting her email, I found her blog. She said a lot had changed so I read about it, tearfully. After 10 years and 2 kids she too is in the midst of a divorce. It's heartbreaking. She has a way with the written word that makes you fell her pain, every aching bit of it. I've yet to really catch up with her but my heart breaks for her. I know how it feels to have your broken (don't we all?....took me 3 years to get over my 1st divorce!) What do I wonder? If I had (even though I still have time) followed my dreams of writing would I too be on the verge of having something published??

It was sure nice to hear from these 3 fantastic women this week. I vow to keep in closer touch with them. It also made me think of how my life would be different.....I can't change the past, just learn from it. The present is a great place to be. The future.... I still have time to do what I've always wanted to do...just to get off my butt, have the confidence, and JUST DO IT!!