The More Things Change

“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.” - Rosanne Cash

They are all still beautiful - in fact more beautiful than when we were last together twenty years ago. There are a few more pounds (for some but not all) and a few new wrinkles but, if anything, it made them more beautiful. They have a comfort in their skins that I didn't see before. A confidence in their essential selves. They are smarter and wiser.

The long awaited Halifax Life Girls Reunion lived up to my hopes for the evening. Colleen arrived first, stunningly beautiful, full of life and ready to share her story. Cecilia came next, the baby of our group (though she and Colleen are actually the same age but Colleen was already a married lady in those days so she seemed older). Cecilia kept her lovely figure over the years but somehow managed to add a husband, a daughter and an MBA. Next arrived Julie, who looks like she has been frozen in time, her face unchanged by the years but with a calm demeanor she didn't project in her youth. To complete our group, Gail arrived, clad in jeans and dripping with her stunning jewels, full of the same joy and spirit which she has carried always. Suddenly, the years melted away. Some preliminary catching up conversation about parents and siblings, children, husbands and milestones was shared over a bottle of champagne and some nibbles on the deck. Then we headed off to Oliver and Bonaccini for dinner.

As I tell this story, I realize it may be hard to believe. But within moments of sitting in the restaurant, Gail raised the topic of our last group conversation and we picked it up from where we left off. It was, of course, about sex though I won't share any of the details. By the end of our evening, we had discussed men and menopause, kids and sex education, transitioning to empty nests, loss and love.

Julie and Gail opted to go home after dinner but Colleen and Cecilia returned to my place for cake and more conversation. By eleven o'clock fatigue was becoming evident and they took their leave. We hugged goodbye and I settled in for a couple of hours of thinking before I would make my way to bed. I love these women. And even though it has been so many years since they were a part of my regular life, I miss them.