Friends

We have been on the road for over two months now. After hitting New York, something happened. I do not know if it was because it reminded us of Europe, or because we used to live there for a year. Either way, it pushed us to go back to LA and pack for Europe. The decision was made. We skipped most of the south. However, we were not going to miss the Grand Canyon, and we were right not to, because it was breathtaking.

But there was another reason. Liam wanted, very badly, to play with his friend Arlo. They have been friends for almost three years, and he really missed him. There is something endearing about watching a nine-year-old long for his friend. Not just any friend. Arlo, specifically. I wanted him to have that time before we left for Europe. And because it is summertime now, it was the perfect moment to come back. So here we are, back in Los Angeles, and he is playing with Arlo.

Watching him miss Arlo made me think about my friendships. The ones I have. The ones I have lost. Some friendships end the way a marriage can. You just grow apart. Quietly. Without meaning to.

There is a saying in French. Loin des yeux, loin du cœur. Far from the eyes, far from the heart. I do not think it is true, at least not for friendship. Maybe for romantic love. I am not sure it is even true there.

I have friends I talk to once a year. Maybe less. And we are still close. Time does not make me forget them. It is unbelievable to me how we can go a whole year without speaking, and then when we talk, it feels like yesterday. And if they are ever in trouble, I am there. And they would be there for me. That is the part that the saying gets wrong.

I do not have many friends. I think that is the real secret. To be selective. To have a few. I am the type of person who is okay on my own. I do not need anyone. But the few I let in matter to me more than I can say.

That is the thing about friendship. You get to choose. That is the freedom of it. And some of them will push you. They will make you think higher, fly higher, and do things you never thought you could. Because they are there, saying, “Let's go, you can do this.” It means a lot. It means a lot to me.

You get to choose them. I think that is the gift.

Don't you think?