- photo by Ron Pacheco . a letter iend Christian friendships last forever Last Monday night at Mazzio 's, I watched you. You almost caught me twice, but I turned away just in time. I feared you would see the glint of tears in my eyes. May is just too close. So many of us sat there, as our tradition demanded, eating stringy, hot pizza. So much laughter, touching, and love surrounded me - I'll feel a little sad on Monday nights after we've parted. Then Tuesday in the student center you hugged me for no reason. Those are the best kind of hugs, "no reason" hugs. But even at 8:45 in the morning, we both knew the reason. Then, on my least favorite chapel day, a hurting realization hit me when, for the last time, I heard the "this is the final day to drop classes" announcement among the usual Wednesday dozen. Knowing that this marked one of the last days we would sit in chapel, hit me harder. I never believed those who said I would miss chapel... until today. After chapel that day, just like you knew I would, I checked my mail. right 27, left 42, right 49, I expected a black hole, bills, or bulletins. I found a loudyellow note with clashing red ink on it. I could almost hear you saying the words you had written. I laughed aloud; you write the silliest things. I don't know why my chest felt so heavy when I folded up the paper . I'll save it along with the Hershey's kiss you gave me so casually once. (Does chocolate mold?) Are Thursdays as special to you as they are to me? A lighter classload, the beginning of the downhill slide to the weekend - so many good things come on Thursday . My favorite part of all ends the day, the devotional. You are always there. Sometimes I can tell, just by looking at you, that you too feel the bond, the closeness we share in our unity with the Trinity. I can see the Father's love in many eyes; I know the Son through several hearts; I feel the Comforter in hugs, especially yours. I always sleep easier on Thursday nights. But tonight- tonight I can' t sleep. so many things flitter through my mind, but, most of all, I keep thinking of the banquet. I handled the evening well, until your voice cracked once. I regained my composure ...until the slide show. (I honestly believe whoever started showing slides at banquets enjoyed watching seniors crumble.) That final song during the slides, I've heard it so often this year . Tonight, unlike the other times, it cut to my heart. You'll always come to my mind when I hear it. I'll miss being with you - I'll miss you being with me when it plays. My tears tonight when the song ended fell for you. I gave you part of my heart tonight to take with you. Nothing will ever fill that void until you return. You will return, I know. "Friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them. And a friend will not say never cause the welcome will not end. Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know, A lifetime's not too long to live as friends." Take care, my forever friend . - Karen Roseberry Spiritual Life 25
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