30 Days of Truth - Day 9

Day 9 - Someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted.


Have you ever let a relationship get in the middle of a good friendship?  I did.  Sad....but true.


A good friend I had in high school.  It was a guy.  And yes....guys and girls can be friends. But let me point out that YES......he loved me more than a friend.  And when I got involved in a relationship with my husband....boy did I learn more than I ever thought I would!!


My friend was handicapped.  I met him in high school waiting for the elevator one day.  There he was on his crutches and struggling to hold books on his back. I offered to help him out....I was out on a hall pass anyways....so I did.  We introduced ourselves to each other and a friendship was born.  I was a sophomore and he was a junior.  I was in my rebellious phase-but this was half way through the sophomore year and change was ahead.  When I wasn't carrousing with my cousin and the rough crowd I was hanging with my friend.


He had a car that was equipped with handicapped equipment.  So we could go out sometimes if his parents didn't need the car.  Every so often we would go out for just dessert or hit a movie.  He always got around on his crutches.  He was born with Spina Bifida.  But he didn't let that stop him from living.


I remember being out in public with him and not feeling the least bit uncomfortable around him.  Heck...I had good time making *others* feel uncomfortable for staring and whispering.  That is the fantastic part of my outgoing personality, I guess.  I often can go out of my way to make others feel OK when things are not so great.  


While I was a sophomore and he was a junior he asked me to go to his Junior Prom.  I was tickled pink to go!!  And I wore a light pink gown to the prom.  I was proud to be his date.  He has pictures of the prom night.  Boy, did we make a nice couple!! (Note to self: contact him on FB and request a copy!  LOL!)  The first half of the next year I remember we hung out whenever I wasn't working.  Then I met John and I found myself not having as much time with my friend.  Much to my friend's dislike and he spoke of it often.


Finally.....our friendship resolved once feelings were put out in the open.  I couldn't love him as a boyfriend/girlfriend.  His handicap itself didn't bother me one bit- and I made that clear to him.  I just did not love him that way.  


Over the years I would see him from time to time.  In a store or something and we would re-connect with promises to grab lunch or coffee or something.  We never did.


I am happy to say that my friend found the love of his life.  He has been happily married for several years now.  I am so happy that he has someone to share his life with.  We have re-connected on FB.  I hope to take him up on that offer of lunch or coffee soon.


We drifted.....connected......drifted.....connected again and I hope it stays that way.