Do you remember the time when....?

Having moved away from everything familiar, it’s hard to describe what you feel sometimes. Some days you feel literally on top of the world because only you are in charge of your life. On other days, you can really miss people and places from home. Thinking about loved ones here and back home, I started to think of memories. Looking back, I have had a pretty blessed life, often filled with tears of joy and tears of hilarity during embarrassing moments.

The following are in no particular order. If you are reading this and don’t seem to find yourself in it, let me know and I will add one. I’ve been blessed to have you all as part of my life J

Let’s see if you can find yourself?

Do you remember the time when….?

∞ we had our reservations lost by the fancy restaurant staff on Valentine’s day? You were nervous but we relaxed and had heart shaped pizza at Boston Pizza instead…a tradition that went on for a number of years J

∞we bonded over you getting car sick while dune bashing in Abu Dhabi? We had only known each other for a few days, but it was as if it turned into an immediate closer friendship.

∞we spent countless hours in the pool and oceans as we grew up together letting the waves just take us?

∞we had to make a quick trip to Walgreen’s for a knee brace? I had just injured my knee pretty badly climbing the rocks along the California coastline.

∞we realized that although we spend no time together in person, we know each other more than most people do?

∞we drove 3 hours out of town to visit a few of my family members (and you got to see some of your family too?) On the way home, I slammed a compartment on my dashboard so hard that my hands free wireless system wouldn’t shut off no matter what we did! We pulled over to the nearest Timmies and had a good laugh (and coffee for the long ride home).

∞you saw the terrified look on my face when reality hit me about teaching a full class of ESL students? You continue to be an exemplary role model to myself and the staff.

∞you came with me into a hospital room and I realized with your help I could bring comfort to the critically ill through the Holy Communion?

∞my phone was acting up and I didn’t respond to your texts? You were worried about me so you used your key to let yourself in to find me singing in the shower!

∞I was about 9, you were about 19 and we were getting you ready for a night on the town? We were curling your hair with 2 separate curling irons. One of us flinched…both curling irons were dropped, and we ran to put cold water on our newly minted fashion statements on our skin!

∞we met for the first time over sushi in Istanbul? We continue to be hall mates and friends!

∞we have our moments looking over all of your accomplishments? I’m so proud of your experience and success in the Canadian military. You continue to amaze me.

∞we spent hours in the water of Lake Erie talking about our crushes? Best weekend ever!

∞we had very inappropriate conversations on the beach? Our colleagues wanted to know what our “special cream” was all about!

∞we realized that when wine is spilled on clothing, it can become the latest fashion accessory, especially around family?

∞your cooking made me cry? It was spicy, I swear! Although it was hard to eat, it was the tastiest chili ever!

∞we would have continuous debates as to who would be single the longest and who would end up owning the most cats? #catladiesforever !

∞we would bake cookies and make gingerbread houses? You’re just about a teenager now, but those so far are my favourite memories…looking forward to always making new ones!

∞we would spend hours on the phone (and we still do), connecting one side of the world with the other?

∞we had our last tight hug before I moved away from Canada? Neither of us knew what to say, but the sudden tears said it all J

∞I was so upset with you? I ignored all your phone calls. Only to try and go to sleep…you were there at my door ready to sort things out.

∞we would play hours of video games together? Family get togethers would not have been complete without the original Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt!

∞we were only 16 and didn’t get carted at the LCBO? Summer of 1998 was a blast.

∞one of us missed the second last train from Toronto to Hamilton, and had to explain to her parents why she was late and all of her friends weren’t? (cough cough!) Again, summer of 1998 was a blast!

∞you constantly teased me about my developing body while growing up? I don’t have an older brother, but you sure continue to fill that role!

∞my niece started arguments as to who you belong to? You’ll always belong to all of us!

∞you made me feel like my simple shepherd’s pie was the best meal in the world? I had no idea it was your favourite, and I’m sorry that I’m going to be missing your birthday this year!

∞we would check our emails for months wondering when we would get our magic ticket to Abu Dhabi? Your unwavering support and humour got me and many others through that struggle!

∞we had drinks and a sleepover on a school night? Our time out on the hammocks will be unforgettable. Thank you for helping me gain the courage for doing what was right for me.

∞we thought “Friends” was the best TV show ever, that we re-created the video in the beginning for a music project in grade 7?

∞we both came to the realization that we were now in a very different world of teaching? But we’re there to support each other…every day J

Love always,

Cara