#8: An Early Christmas Present

Sunday, November 9, 2014

An Early Christmas Present

Today, I received my first Christmas present.

While running by the river this morning, I called a girlfriend in Calgary.  She and I were room-mates many, many years ago in London, Ontario.  I had taken the year off from university studies (my marks were not good enough to return for a second year!), and she was studying a double major of Economics and Political Science.  Anyway, we became good friends during those eight months and stayed in touch.  I called her from the cell phone this morning.  (Aside:  I discovered that I need to pack along my cell phone, calling card and a list of girlfriend numbers whenever I go for a walk/jog by myself).  Today, I got through to a girlfriend in Toronto; left a voice-mail on another Toronto line; and left yet another voice-mail on a Calgary line.

This afternoon, Calgary called back.  Company Christmas party happening in Vancouver.  Am I available to meet?

Hell, yes!

I am so excited and so happy.  And a long, lost girlfriend from way back when.  I was 19 when we shared an apartment.  NINETEEN YEARS OLD.  Man, that is a long time ago.  We did manage to see each other here and there over the years, but as with all my other girlfriends near and far, I had not been in touch for a very long time.

Again, to quote a famous song, I’m So Excited!

I’ll drive into the city to pick her up and we’ll work our way back to Squamish for an overnight gab session.  Two of the kids will be able to meet her anyway.  I think the last time we saw each other my oldest was only a few months old.  I’ve reinstated friendships with good friends here in town.  My Calgary friend, however, will be the first friend I will see who knew me Before Marriage.  She met my husband only once.

And this is on the heels of a lovely impromptu visit the other night with a girlfriend here in town (the lady who had saved my family photo albums).  I had e-mailed her a link to a brief article outlining how to tell if you are/have been in an emotionally strained (I won’t use the other word) relationship.  There were five elements outlined.  Scarily enough, I matched all five, or our relationship matched all five.  Matched perfectly.

She told me that she, and other friends here in town, had been watching me for years knowing that I was in this particular type of relationship.  Knowing something was amiss/wrong/unusual but not knowing how or even if, something should be done about it.  My silent and invisible friends who steadfastly watched out for me.

She told me how, years ago, I had spouted ridiculous opinions while sitting at their kitchen table; opinions on the balance of power between a husband and wife.  Basically, I was described as a brain-washed bimbo.  She then, very kindly, looked me in the eye and said I am intelligent and educated and I am doing just fine.  Another Christmas present!

Actually, I am enjoying a third Christmas present as well:  All three of my children are here at home.  My oldest has a few days off from University (mid-term break), and we held a family road-trip Friday afternoon to pick him up at the ferries on the far side of Vancouver.  Tonight, the four of us sat at the table and had dinner together.  Laughter, sibling zaniness and comfortable chatter.  Such a scene warms the cockles of this mother’s heart!  I love my children.

I now have turkey broth simmering away on the stove.  It is time to put is all in a colander and make soup!