My old pal, Jane, belongs to a limited circle of people in my life who have been pivotal in my development as a mature human being. These people have helped me in my quest to be a seeker, an empathetic citizen, and a giver-backer—among other things. Jane was the first compatriot I found when I was attending Weber State. She unapologetically read a wide variety of excellent books—and talked about them passionately—which made me feel like it really was a perfectly acceptable calling for an adult to spend way too much time reading and discussing books most people had never heard of. In fact, it was a badge of honor. Jane is the first person outside of my tiny Delta around whom I didn’t feel foreign. Whenever we went to movies, she brought a book to read—just in case. I completely understood this. Jane was in my tribe.
After college, our lives happened and we lost touch for a few decades. We found each other again through TIE O’ THE DAY, not so long ago. Yesterday, I finally visited Jane at her abode. We were in the same room together for the first time in forever—spilling the details of our strikingly different life stories to each other. We talked over each other’s talking, and interrupted each others’ stories to ask questions that sent us on tangents—in the way only solid friends can get away with doing. The hours were punctuated with loud laughter-like-fireworks. Indeed, our conversation was long, but it’s not finished: I still have a portfolio of questions to ask her about her and her family, and more of her life’s adventures. Strategically, I didn’t tell Jane everything about how I’ve spent my post-college existence either, so that I will have to go back for another visit. She’ll have to move and not tell me where she’s going, if she doesn’t want me showing up at her front door occasionally. I refuse to let more years go by before we get together again.
Amazingly, Jane returned two books to me which I forgot I had loaned her in the 80’s. Obviously, she is still in my tribe.
FYI Jane is a cape-worthy and ascot-worthy person, so I wore both.