Catching Up

We spent about an hour on the phone catching up on 27 years. Following college graduation, Mike's life had brought him across the country to Denver via Chicago. He was in only his second job since graduating. I immediately thought how stable and loyal that made him. His wife passed away 9 years ago and he had since been raising his 2 children all alone. He sounded like a very devoted father, replacing the executive track he had been on, with a sales position so he would have the time he needed to spend with his daughter and son.

I, on the other hand, was divorced nearly 6 years, raising my own son and daughter with all the inherent struggles of single parenthood. We immediately shared this common bond and the child-rearing conversation gave us insight into each others' values. I was delighted with everything I heard, as much of it matched so closely to my own.

Even our children were of similar age - we each had a child in college and a child in high school. We reminisced about our own high school days and it turned out he didn't even remember the chemistry class - only the time we had spent together having our heart-to-heart talks. He also didn't remember the summer we spent together when we were both in college. I just laughed it off and joked that I guessed my company hadn't been too impressive.

Then he asked me if I was serious about him coming to visit and I said of course.

He said, "I'm not very spontaneous but I really would like to come and see you again." We discussed possible dates and by the end of the conversation, he said he would look into it.

My mind was racing. I had barely dated in the 6 years since my divorce. Suddenly I was very excited at the thought that I might see Mike again after all these years.

I Can't Believe You Called

After I hit Send on my reply email, I went into the kitchen to prepare dinner for my daughter and myself. Only about 10 minutes had passed when my phone rang. I answered it without checking the caller ID and was stunned to hear the voice of my old friend.

Let me pause the story to give a little background info. Mike and I had attended the same high school in Florida and although he was a year ahead of me - I was a junior and he, a senior - we met in Chemistry class. Since both of us were conscientious students we agreed to study together. He would come to my house and we would study in the living room, taking occasional breaks to have heart-to-heart chats. I had a boyfriend at another high school and Mike had a girlfriend who was in college. Mike was the traditional BMOC - gorgeous, smart, star athlete. And talk about chemistry! Of course I had a huge crush on him, despite my having a boyfriend, but it was the 70's and "good girls" didn't initiate anything in those days, so all I could do was smile and try to be charming. I assumed I didn't stand a chance anyway, so I settled for a good, solid friendship (all the while, smiling and being charming - it couldn't hurt, could it?). Meanwhile, Mike's best friend Paul was dating one of my close friends so Paul and I became fast friends as well.

At the risk of causing whiplash from traveling so quickly through time, I am switching back from 1974 to 2005. Yes, eventually I will catch up to the actual present but I am new to this blog thing and figured a general timeline, albeit disjointed, would be helpful.

October 2005 - A smile immediately spread across my face as I recognized Mike's deep, sexy voice. Even after all these years, it was unmistakable. I was bubbling with excitement. "Oh, my gosh. It's so great to hear from you. How long's it been - like 27 years or something? I can't believe you actually called me."

And So Began My Long Distance Love

It's been a little over a year now since that evening in October of 2005 when I opened my email to find the following:

Hey Stranger,

This is a blast from the past. Paul and I had a great time at our reunion, and when I requested that the DJ play "Feelings" by Barry Manilow in honor of Paul, my thoughts fell back to you.

We were reminiscing about what a special friend you were to both of us, and so I thought I'd send you a note. I know Paul has already insisted that he be your date to your 30th reunion next year, so I know that I'm out of the running for that.

But I hope you're doing well. I've thought of you often through the years, and wish only the best for you.

Would love to hear from you.

Take care,
Mike


Despite the rapid beating of my heart and the excitement that flowed through me like electric current through a wire, I quickly tapped out a reply.

Hi Mike,

So great to hear from you. You can’t imagine how much I wanted to go to your reunion. I would LOVE to see you!

My son just got his first apartment at school and it makes me think of my own apartment way back when. Do you remember the fun we used to have there? I miss those days.

Why don’t you come to Dallas to see me? The weather is just starting to cool off so it’s not unbearably hot. We could go to the high school football game – my daughter’s in the band. It could be great fun!!!!!!

Call me. 972.555.7426 home; 214.555.8763 cell.

Miss ya,
AC

P.S. you’re never out of the running. ;>)

Little did I know that I was about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!