One for the Boys

There is nothing quite like friendship that has been cultivated over years and decades, friendship that doesn't judge nor feel the need to impress. It's as real as it gets, no need to apologize for not calling back, no worries about saying something that might be taken the wrong way or causing offense, no need to monitor your behavior or your words, just being able to be who you are, knowing that you are accepted and valued for just that. Being able to just enjoy the company of your longtime friends, your buddies, your bros, is one of life's simplest and finest pleasures. You don't have to go anywhere, or do anything in particular. A simple walk along the beach or a short trip to Starbucks will do the trick. Food tastes better when it's eaten with good friends, conversation flows easy, and the rest of the world is secondary in importance to what you and your people are talking about. Nobody knows you or can keep you humble like your long time friends. They'll never hesitate to tell you how it is, and there's much to be said for being able to speak your mind in return. I doubt I'll ever be fortunate enough to meet people like the guys that I met in between first grade and freshman year in high school. I don't think I'll have to though, because the guys I grew up with are the guys I hope to grow old with. Years from now, as the days grow shorter and the tales taller, we'll all be hanging out, talking smack, and listening to the stories we can tell. And we can tell some stories. Nothing quite like it indeed. Here's to good friends, along with family and a mate for life, it's all that's worthwhile and what gives meaning to the lives we live.