Today, my grand-daughter, Rachel, had an opportunity to spend part of the day with two former schoolmates. Even though Rachel's been attending school in a different neighbourhood for the last three years, the girls have still managed to find ways to keep in touch.
They reunited this week while attending an annual week-long non-denominational church camp; and, when let out at noon, they received permission to spend the afternoon together.
The girls bounced between Rachel's friend's homes and mine, stopping off at the neighbourhood park by their old school, and finished with a long swim and visit, in and by our backyard pool.
The swim was supervised without invading their privacy, and it was easy to see that the girls were enjoying being together again. While it's often difficult for a threesome to interact without leaving someone out, there was no indication of controversy. In fact, things seemed to go, "swimmingly".
Rachel confirmed later that she really enjoyed her day, catching up with old friends. She is also enjoying camp again this year. Win! Win!
Next year these young ladies will be too old to attend camp as campers, but hopefully they will return as leaders-in-training.
I like to think that no matter what other obstacles might threaten their relationship over the years, Rachel and her former classmates will at least be able to count on this yearly summer reunion.
Friendships needn't end when distance intervenes, as this young trio are learning firsthand. Ultimately, Rachel will be a better person for having had to work at keeping her old friendships alive while continuing to forge new relationships, moving forward.
