On July 4, 1996 (I was 17) while on my way home from a friends house I lost control of my car on a sharp corner and crashed into a tree. My face hit the steering wheel because I had some slack in my seatbelt. My mouth was bleeding really bad and my face was starting to swell...but somehow I managed not to break any of my teeth thank goodness!
I bet you are wondering what the hell this has to do with friendship. Well, the accident doesn't have anything to do with it, but what happened AFTER the accident does, so bear with me.
My parents took me to the hospital, because why call an ambulance (this was before everyone had cell phones) when you can call your parents and really freak them out. So, we get into the ER and I am bleeding all over myself. The doctor is checking me out and discovers the reason for all the blood is a tear/hole under my top lip and into my cheek. I know this sounds nasty, but there were no external cuts on my face, this was on the inside. So, they get me all cleaned up and send me home.
I am obviously very sore and shook up after all of this, and I don't remember much after getting home. The next day is kind of blurry too. I'm not sure if one of my friends had called the house or if my mom called my friend Lora. Throughout the rest of the day the phone rang off the hook with my friends calling to check on me which made me feel better. I couldn't talk well as my lip and cheek were swollen, but I made due.
I honestly don't remember if it was that night or the next, but I was laying on the couch and I heard a car coming up our driveway...make that four cars. The gang had showed up to see how I was and cheer me up!!! We (my dad actually) built a fire in the fire ring in the back yard and we all sat around talking. Everyone was trying to make me laugh, but whenever I would try to smile my mouth would bleed.
That is a great memory for me because all my friends were there when I really needed it. It is a shame that over the years and as we all grow up, that sometimes those friendships fade.
"The gang"...that sounds funny...was mostly guys at that time. Four girls and seven guys. They were the friends that would stop what they were doing to help you if you needed it, or would go out and raise hell with you. Those were some good times....wait, the best times.
Most of us have lost touch for the most part. This is the part that makes me sad. I still see three people quite often, but the others...I haven't seen them in years. Why is it that it happens this way? It's curious. It happens to everyone in some capacity, but I really wish sometimes that I could go back, even just for a day, and relive some of the fun that we had. I could write so much more about this but....maybe some other time.
6 comments:
That seems to be standard operating procedure, unfortunately. At least most of the time. I think it happens to everyone. People get married, people move away, friendships become strained...it is rare, I think, for "the gang" to stay in one another's lives. So, we are left with memories, some bnad, most good, and we have to hold onto those tightly, lest they grow wings and fly away. They (the memories) seem to get to be stronger flyers with each passing year.
Then again, if your friends are trying to cheer you up and you're spouting blood outta your piehole every time you laugh, perhaps they aren't "true" friends. Just kidding. Those are the best kind. ;-)
I know the feeling. I think when you are young and carefree, you have the luxury of time on your side. As we age, we get stressed out--and as sad as it sounds, sometimes keeping in touch with old friends adds to the stress, like adding another thing to an already overwhelming to do list, kwim?
:)
With my high school reunion coming up I have been thinking the same type of thoughts lately.
In high school you always think that you'll all stick together no matter what, but life has a weird way of working out.
Anyway, have a great weekend!!!
Nah - that is just normal You are lucky to have three - I only have one from school I still consider "friend" as in your description here.
How sweet. I feel bad about losing touch with most of my old friends too. It's weird how much we all change and grow apart once we're off on our own.
Hey friend!It was heartening to hear your account and the way your friends helped you get out of the crisis.You are blessed to have such nice,caring friends.Enjoy this friendship, because it is truly a gift from God!
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