In Girl Scouts we used to sing a song:

Make new friends, but keep the old.

One is silver and the other gold.

My friend Joanna came to visit last weekend, which was a treat because she is very busy parenting two beautiful little girls and working and living life in Colorado. Joanna and I have been friends for 30 years -- we met when we were four years old. The rarity and specialness of our friendship is not lost on me.
This last weekend (the one following Joanna's visit) Ted and I went to our friend Helen's wedding in Atlanta. Helen is a friend from Madison, so we became friends about 11 years ago, and I've done a pretty mediocre job staying in touch with her and hadn't seen her since my own wedding, where she was a bridesmaid. I was reminded of the importance of keeping in contact with good friends, even when newer ones are now on the scene. I know it's sappy, but I really feel compelled to gush about the value I place on my friendships. I include my family in this category, because being related by blood or marriage is not, alone, what makes me love my family. It's our friendships and enjoyment of each others' company that makes these relationships special. And the friendships I have are what make my life what it is. The point here is that it's hard work to stay in touch with old friends, though not always as is the case with Joanna, but it's one of the most worthwhile things possible as far as I can tell. It's sad to realize that you've lost touch, but nice to realize how easy it is to renew connections. Therefore I intend to do better!!!