Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Reconnecting

You know those friends you had growing up? The ones that were more like siblings or cousins? Their parents liked you as much as their own kids (or you thought maybe more cause you were more polite) and you were over at their house all the time eating their food and hanging out? Well this week I had the chance of reconnecting with two of those kinds of friends.

My friend Ginna lived just down the street from me. We grew up playing Star Wars and Runaway Orphans in their woodsy backyard. We nailed boards together and collected old Christmas trees to create our own forts. We thought that she'd marry my brother and I'd marry her's. We didn't, of course, and its really best that way but whatever. As we got older, Ginna became one of those people that I really looked up to. She was like my high school mother, taking me under her wing. I'd tell her all of my long, hideous, and silly tales of flirtations and almost-boyfriends and she'd give me sound advice. I made her be my spokesman during my summers in the PHS marching band--she asked the band teacher all of my dumb freshman questions and exchanged my uniform when my pants made me look like the pillsbury dough-boy. At girl's camp she must have been completely annoyed when my best friend Kenna and I fought like cats, but she never once let us have it. She was patient and sweet on both sides. When we went to BYU, I'd drop in on Ginna in her apartment from time to time and thought she was so cool living there. She was. But then she got married, I went on a mission, and we just lost contact.

On Friday, Ginny, her husband Kris, and adorable son Max met us at Bajio and not only was my chimichanga delightful, but so was the company. They came to our house afterwards and Maggie and Max became instant friends--running around the house and backyard giggling and screaming. No matter that Max can read and Maggie can only say 7 words--every kid speaks the language of remote control Toyota trucks. It was wonderful to chat with Ginna and feel like nothing had changed between us.

Hillary was another dear friend.
My mother taught her in kindergarten (and all of her siblings). Infact, my mother credits herself for the fact that Hillary has a little sister. At Hill's last parent teacher conference my mom said to Hillary's parents, "Your children are my favorites. She really can't be your last one." Later on, Erin was born and my mom taught her too. Hillary and I went to the same elementary school and were good friends, but the summer before high school we became best friends. We'd borrow each other's clothes, spend hours taking quizes from Seventeen Magazine, make each other mixed tapes, and help each other with homework. We took half our classes together, joined the same clubs (including Mock Trial where Hillary was always the "best Bailiff"), and talked liberal politics. I called Hill's Mom "Mother Call" and I meant it too. Her parents were the best. Her dad thought I was hilarious and her mom thought I was a saint. My parents adored Hill as well. Dad taught her in honors English and thought she was a freakin' genius. My mom never could call her anything but "Hilly"--I think that must have been her little kindergarten nick-name.

Then it kind of fell apart. I think I'd taken Hillary's friendship for granted. I still don't know exactly what happened, but I lost a dear friend. Well, a few months ago, Hillary stumbled upon my blog and we started emailing back and forth. Today we did lunch. Hillary is as beautiful, smart, and liberal as ever. She has a great job, travels a lot, and is just amazing. She's even training for a freaking marathon. We laughed about all of the songs we used to sing in 6th grade choir, and the funny things we used to do in high school. We got updates on each others' families and it was just so nice to sit down with someone who has meant so much to me in my life. And as if the lunch weren't enough she even carried Mags to my car and buckled her into her carseat. Maggie was very upset though when Hill didn't come home with us.

So thanks Hillary and Ginna. You've made me a better person and I hope I can return the favor.

11 comments:

Rochelle said...

I remember Hillary! We were best friends when I lived in Harbor Park. I admit I knew Cammon better than Ginna but I always wished I knew her a little better than I did because she seemed so cool. Old friends are the greatest!

Tiffany said...

How fun! I miss those 2 girls too! Maybe someday me and you can re-connect and then you can write a post about me! ha ha It seems like forever since I've seen you. I miss you!!

Amanda D said...

I loved reading this! Ginna is such a wonderful person, and it sounds like Hillary is too. I love that through blogging I have been able to reconnect with Ginna even though we are so far from each other.

I hope you don't mind me lurking, I love reading your posts. They make me smile!

Emily Rasmussen said...

I was just thinking about my old long lost best friend from elementary school. I was thinking of stopping at her house in my old neighborhood while we are in CA and talking to her parents at least....last I heard she was a crack head. :( But I'd like to think that my dear old friend who became my blood and spit sister at eight is still out there and would like to reconnect too. I love my childhood fiends so much, even though its been years. Yay, for friends, old, new, and reborn alike!

Angie Lewis said...

Hillary was one of my best friends in Jr. High too - we were obsessed with the Brady Bunch movie and we called each other's moms "Mom" - she is a great girl - I haven't seen or heard from her in years!!! So glad to hear she's doing well. Does she have a blog?

Hill Call said...

What a nice blog, thanks!! Although some things are better left unsaid...like talking about how we did something called mock trial. It was so good to see you. We'll talk soon

Ginna said...

this cute entry means so much to me. I just feel so lucky to have you as a friend, and to have been able to reconnect. It just blows my mind that we let each other kind of drift away. I think with how well Max and Mags were getting along the other night it's pretty much inevitable that they're going to be very good friends later. Kind of like we were/are :) Let's get together again soon. Of course next time youguys are out in the Boston/Providence area you know who to call!!!

Evenson Fam said...

Remember the days in dance when we were the best bat dancers ever?! I miss you guys too. And I remember at girls camp I thought Ginna was the coolest! Funny memories. It's great to reconnect I agree.

{Erica} said...

knew both these girls...not as well as you...but they still were wonderful people. It's been fun catching up with Ginna and hearing a bit about what hillary has been up to. If Hillary is reading this..HI! :)

Beth said...

Did you want to take me to lunch to reconnect? I think I would have made an AMAZING baliff in high school. so...

Beth said...

p.s. yours is the only blog I read today because i was lookin' fer some enkertainment.

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