I had many best friends through my 55 years of life. As a small child my best friends were all family, of course. It wasn’t until I actually got out into the world that I started to have “real” best friends.

In the neighborhood I had Sandy, who was a year younger, but we were quite a pair. I’d have done anything for her; including trading my favorite doll for one of her’s that was nice, but not as nice as mine, I had thought. But then, I’d have given anything to my best friend. Funny thing, though, her mother insisted it wasn’t a fair trade since her doll was far more expensive than mine. I still think I got the best end of that deal when we traded them back again.

When I started school I went through a series of best friends. I remember Ronnie, not exactly a boyfriend, just a best friend. He always made me laugh with his stories. Especially one he told with a vivid description of what his mother looked like putting on her girdle. I wonder whatever happened to Ronnie. I hope his peeping Tom days ended with first grade.

I had a best friend named Gloria. I remember she always had her hair braided so nice. For religious reasons she wasn’t allowed to wear it down. I didn’t understand any of that, and certainly didn’t care. How wonderful it was to not worry about those differences that seemed to matter too much as we grew older.

In junior high Doris and I made a pretty good team. Actually we were budding bad girls, and considered ourselves leaders of a “gang”. Counter to some boys who called themselves the “Rats” we were the “Mice”. I laugh thinking of it, and still have photos I might share if I actually locate Doris and get her permission.

I was far too boy crazy by high school; but my friends weren’t limited to just the boys I was crazy about. I had several best friends. There was Janet, Sue, Darlene, Sandy and Barbara to name those that come to mind most quickly. It was a time of skin tight jeans with oversized men’s shirts, teased up hair and way too much makeup. We loved cars and the boys that drove them.

I became a mother far too young and put an end to most of my best friendships. My oldest son Barry became my soul best friend for four years, and he was then joined by his little brother, Bob, as the lights of my life. Girlfriends just didn’t fit into the picture. Or, perhaps it was that I no longer fit into their’s.

Years passed and I had a neighbor best friend named Doris. How she put up with me I’ll never know, for I think I spent every morning at her house sharing a cup of coffee as we waited for the school bus that would whisk our kids away for the day.

I believe as one grows older their best friends can be categorized; like Wanda my best writing friend, or Julie my best fire company friend.

Now I have many, many friends from all walks of life, many different personalities; but my best friends are few and very special, indeed. I have Raeann, Abi, Anna and Andrew, my grandchildren. They are beacons of joy that shine even when we’re apart, which is far too often for my liking.

I think about all those best friends that have passed through my life and wonder what ever happened to them. Someone sent me information on a web site that puts you in touch with old friends and classmates. I noticed a few names there that I remembered. Some from my list of “best friends”.

The sight has a fee, so I hesitated joining; but as my cloudy memories begin to clear I’m growing more and more curious. The temptation is so strong to reacquaint myself with some of those people who were once so very important to be bestowed the title of “best friend”. Maybe I’ll join after all and let you know what I find out after I’m put in touch with them. Who knows, maybe they remember me as fondly as I remember them.

For lovely posters about friendship, see below: