We were like bread and jelly--we shared jokes, secrets, notes, gossip, school supplies, lunch, letters, tales of boy friends, family talk, grades, nail polish shades, just about everything--for 10 years in school. They were the best times of my life and my best friend was my life.

Its been 23 years since I have met my best friend. I was just wondering what would it be like to meet her today--this very day. She would have changed like I have--physically, mentally, sociologically--every possible way. What would we talk about--what would we share?? Old memories? And then, after that what else? I was wondering this morning if it would be the same meeting her after 23 years?

Would I be at a loss of words for carrying on a conversation? Could I share any more of my secrets with her? Would I compare my life with hers? All those things that never held any importance like our financial status, social standing, kids behaviour, husband's jobs, our jobs, house vs appartment--would all these parameters creep up behind us like darkened shadows that grew with us as we grew up? I wince to think of the innocent realationship that we shared 23 years ago---the shadow of adulthood that always accompanied us even though we never felt it come. Childhood! What a precious thing to lose!