Friends

I was the kid in elementary school who always felt like I didn't belong. I had friends in the neighborhood but never really any at school.

I didn't have what I would call a 'best' friend until Junior High. I met D the first day. Our lockers were close. She was also tall and she was nice. Soon we were attached at the hip. Lunch, weekends, summer.

I moved half way through 7th grade and she followed to the same neighborhood and school the beginning of eighth.

Several friends were added to our circle in the next few years and we have maintained that group for the most part into adulthood.

D and I went to separate colleges. She in St Louis. Me at KU. After graduation she moved to Boston and our friendship became once a year emails and updates from mutual friends.

Her mother died this week and several of us went over to the services.

As we were standing around after visiting and catching up all I could think was...

"OH MY GOD IT"S DONNA WITH RED HAIR!!!!"

The resemblance is almost creepy. Their laugh, facial expression, hand gestures. D is tall, majored in music, is the youngest daughter with two older brothers.

It seems...that I searched for my first best friend...and found my last.

Who knew.