Collisions

There are several types of meetings, the same way there are different types of collisions. Two objects can move towards each other with the same momentum and collide. An object can move towards a stationary one and they will still collide. The result, though to different degrees, is the same – a collision that will displace both parties.

I believe it’s the same with people. When people meet, whatever initiated this doesn’t really matter. The result at some point is the same, they will be moved. Meeting someone will move you. The impact, no matter how trivial, cannot be denied. Ours was a meeting that is difficult for me to give an accurate account. I don’t really remember the exact day, just those few first meetings. It was a series of events that weren’t significant at the time because there hadn’t been any real collision. I’m glad the collision took its time because I got to know you better. In all honesty I can’t properly describe you, only how you made me feel.

So, our collision, or the initial stages of it went something like this. Almost everything that terrified me, seemed to come so easy to you. Including affection. I was intrigued. I talked to you as if we had been friends our whole lives. I didn’t feel like I had to try too hard to come up with interesting topics, or act out of character. Everything flowed of its own accord. Our senses of humor were right on the same wavelength.

I could be childish, and mature at the same time. I could be crazy, thoughtful, prayerful, vulnerable – it didn’t matter.

For the first time in a long time, I was just being myself. I was smiling more. Gliding, cruising in mutual understanding.

In the gift of friendship.

This was one of the hardest things to write, mostly because when it comes to the people you know best, it’s hard to describe them without pinpointing moments. And that’s how I think of you. In moments, in smiles.

I love that smile. The twinkle in your eyes when you’re smiling, even more so when you’re laughing. The ease with which you glide through life. The humor even in difficult times. The openness, the honesty. The way you make others feel. I love it all.

Friendship is a gift rarely appreciated, and more often than not, taken for granted. I didn’t want to wait for a birthday or even more terrifying, a funeral to celebrate you. I remember praying to God for an authentic friend at some point in my life and let me tell you, when God answers prayers, He hits right in the bull’s eye. Always precise. I am grateful God brought you into my life and that we collided at the time he deemed right. I love the unique colors you paint on the walls of my safe space.

Robin Williams once said,” we get to choose who we let in our weird little worlds”.

 I have no idea who chose who, but dear best friend, I choose you every day.

Life is full of uncertainties. There are no guarantees, no warranty. It does not owe us anything. That’s why having a few good friends by your side is a blessing. Your family may be there for you because they have to, but friends choose to. Give them their flowers.

The dead receive more flowers than the living because guilt is stronger than gratitude

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