Life Stages

We got together this weekend with two of D's best friends from high school and before. We try to get together with them at least once a year but often it stretches to two years. It is interesting to see the three of them together, each in a different stage of life despite all being the same age. One still has little kids, one has almost an empty nest and us who are still in the thick of parenting but with kids who are starting to be independent and not as reliant on us as parents.

They talked, ate pizza and played games told stories of when they were young and also what has been happening in each others lives over the last couple of years. As the outsider or someone who did not know them until they were older it is interesting to see what is of value to each. One lives in a home that needs some attention but is more involved in seeing the world and experiencing life not seemingly worried about what happens in 20 years but more where they are day to day. We live in a nice home and value the stability of jobs that offer us a future and the possibility of retirement someday. The other friend that you don't really get much from. He has had some pretty big setbacks in his life and doesn't share as much about where he is or where he is going.

A group of friends with similar upbringing, beliefs, values and goals in high school but through life's trials and experiences has moved down different paths. It does show how strong a solid friendship can be that despite it all and while each is on a different path and in a different place that they all remain good friends and value each other.