My first best friend was the child of a migrant worker. I met her in first grade. I remember standing beside her in the cafeteria line. Looking into her brown eyes and thinking ‘she’s brown-skinned but not as brown as me.’
We were only friends for a season and then she (and her family) were gone.
My next best friend was a chubby white girl named Ginger. I loved her stubby pale fingers so much that I had her pose like a hand model so I could draw her hands. I still have that picture. We parted ways after high school over an argument over faith. I broke my heart. I haven’t talked with her since. I hope she’s forgiven me for believing the ‘fables in the Bible.’
That mysterious best friend connection has a way of sneaking up on you. At least that’s what I believe. One such connection took me by surprise on the way to the Port au Prince airport back in the spring of 2003. A smile led to a quick journey into the proverbial land of kindred spirits. In an instant, I was back in first grade.
Over the years I’ve had very few best friends. None of them are in my life now. They were seasonal. Or rather, I suppose I should say that the physical proximity was for a season but I will always consider them one of my best friends.
I miss having a best friend close by. How about you? What are your thoughts on best friends?