"Let's meet at Panera's," she suggested, "we can do brunch." So, on a bright spring morning, even though we both should have been moved to begin spring cleaning, or joining the a gym, we joined forces in a back booth, away from the grab-a-bit-between-sports-practices-crowd-of-kids-moms-dads.
Over time, we had yogurt-granola-strawberry parfaits and tea, not just one cup of the ol' Lipton diner-kind-of-tea. Instead, we had many, many, many refills of a magnificent Ceylon Mango that that fueled a very-long, but very-needed conversation in which we talked of hopes, dreams, anger, angst, peace, trust, faith, and forgiveness. Our paths, so very different, yet, they are intricately intertwined by life-events we could never have imagined when we first met. Long ago, she was the perky co-ed girl-friend, and I was the big sister of a little brother who had fallen madly in love; yet now, many years later, many miles later, we have become sisters-by-choice.
It was a conversation interspersed with laughter, tears, smiles, and sighs. The kind of conversation that fuels women to smile in spite of life's adversities. I suspect it was the kind of conversation women have been having for centuries, over quilt squares, shopping bags, wine, and coffee.. the kind of conversation that might just solve world peace.We left at dinner time, exhausted, in spite of sitting for hours, as a new crowd of sweat-suit clad diners began to arrive for a bite to eat. As we hugged good-bye, I knew the time was well-spent even though the laundry piles would not be attacked this weekend. I was also sure that time can stand still, even at a place designed for fast food!
9 comments:
These are the conversations that fuel life!
I love the ending; friends can talk for hours, even after not seeing each other for a long time, or even two days in a row! And this: "I suspect it was the kind of conversation women have been having for centuries, over quilt squares, shopping bags, wine, and coffee." I know you must have each brought some comfort to take home with you, Anita!
I agree with Linda and Jaana. I have a few friends, one in particular, I could use this kind of time with. The Ceylon Mango and yogurt parfait would be nice too. Thank you for the inspiration.
These new public spaces are so wonderful. I remember dreaming about them when I lived as an adult in my small town. No Starbucks even now but there are public spaces for coffee and talk.
So glad that you took advantage of this golden opportunity to catch up with a friend, Anita.
There will always be laundry...these moments are memories in the making. I always feel ALIVE after conversations like this! :)
This was n homage to friendship between women - just lovely!
Oh, this makes me miss a friend who is far away. Time to pick up the phone! We are determined to figure out some face to face time this year!
These are the moments we have to carve out of the busy life in order to go on. Sounds like a wonderful time. I, too, spent several hours with friends in a Panera this weekend.
Oh the joy of a sweet friend and a good visit. The minutes- the hours - fly by! Love this: " I was also sure that time can stand still, even at a place designed for fast food!"
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