"that was then, this is now"

"I don 't know what it is...

...about going to high school with someone...

... that makes you feel you're automatically friends for life.

Who says?

Who says friendship lasts forever?

We'd all like to, maybe...

...but maybe it just wears out like everything else.

Like tires.

There's just so much mileage in them and then you're on nothing but air. "

- Det. Lt. Nicholas 'Nick' Frescia - (Tequila Sunrise, 1988)

High School is the golden age of discovery for most of us, it becomes the bond that would keep us together unconditionally. Friendships are forged from this bond, baptized by the fire of solidarity, tested by experience and time spent with each other. The laughter and tears reinforces its strength.

But life is meant to be lived, and living means growing up, and when you grow up you tend to outgrow things, like your favorite shirt or jeans or shoes, even friends. When you outgrow something it doesn't have to mean that you'll give them away or throw them out. You need to hold on to special things, you'll find comfort knowing they're still there even though you don't see them that much but they would always be there when you need them. They are a big part of who you are, of what you've become.

I remember when we used to spend most of our waking hours together, back then we can't get enough of each other's company, sharing our adventures and misses, our hopes and dreams, back when life was simple. And then we grew up and soon we were communicating thru mails and then the time came when we were too busy to do that, good thing that technology keeps on making it easy for us to reach out with e-mails, chats and wireless connectivity, but deadlines and meetings and bills were taking over our small circle, adult problems everywhere. And now were finally on a stage where we need to set up appointments and schedules just to have coffee together or hang out and reminisce.

I feel sad to know that we grew up and apart... And the mileage has finally taken it's toll...

Life happens when your not looking, the only thing constant is change.