I came across a good friend of mine that I haven't seen since our last few days of high school; Roxanne "What's Playing at the Roxy" V., and she looked amazing, then and now. I recognized her immediately, but I was to timid to say hello. Sorry, Rox; looks like not much has changed since high school, right? You see, while we were in school together I kept a secret from Roxanne. For just about four years I could not find a way to say she was one of the individuals I admired most. She was unique with out effort, in image and attitude.
Now, I do have to be honest; teenagers are teenager; far from perfect, but with a strong sense of immortality. I certainly was no different. Roxy had her flaws as well, having friends like me hanging around her was her biggest imperfection. That also happen to be one of her most enduring qualities. She could look beyond her own needs and tend to those around her, and when she befriended you you then had a friend for life. No one knows this better then Michelle "My Bell" R. who, till this day, has a daily conversation with her best friend even though they live on opposite side of the country. These are two of the most real girls any guy could count himself blessed to have know.
These two lovely ladies are now long married and have beautiful children of their own. Where others in my life have moved on, grown older and simply lost interest in old friends, Roxanne and Michelle merely pick up where they left off with familiar faces they come across each day. Isn't that the primary definition of Friendship? Isn't that the goal of all of our lives, to love God and through Him our neighbors as we love ourselves? Perhaps something I almost lost track of, almost forgotten.
Thanks for the reminder, Roxy.
But of course you know what this means. I will be out there looking for old friends, like it or not, I'm coming guys and dolls. (insert maniacal laugh here)
Blessing,
Michael Salinas
