I recently had the awesome privilege of reconnecting with a friend from my childhood. We grew up in the same church and we sort of just became friends. I know for a fact that when we met, she didn't really like me. She thought I was brat. Which is fair, I was an only child of a single parent. I played the brat card very well. When we were elementary school age, she moved to Canada because her dad went to school there. Every summer, her family moved back and her and I would have lots of shenanigans and adventures together. Eventually, her family moved back to my hometown, and her and I became very close. She was my best friend all throughout junior high. Every weekend, you could find us out in her camper, having a sleepover and dishing about boys like the giddy middle school girls we were. As I entered high school, our relationship took an interesting turn and kind of faded off. Somewhere in that timeline, she and her family moved to another state. I have my opinions about why our relationship changed, I am sure she does too. But they aren't really relevant anymore, so why does it matter? We stayed in each others lives, through Facebook and the occasional chat through text. I missed her friendship, but I was unfortunately too lazy to reconnect with her fully. I still considered her a good friend, we just weren't as close as we used to be, and that was a bummer. I was so surprised that day I graduated from high school and she walked through the door as I put my cap on. I remember thinking the person I looked at was her, but I dismissed it. And then she spotted me and came running. I remember screaming in surprise and confusion as we hugged. That crazy girl drove seven plus hours just to come to my graduation. It literally made my day so much better! After that, I think we talked a little more frequently. We always intended to Skype or call, but things always came up. Recently, she got a Snapchat and we started snapping each other. As I write this, we have a strong twenty-four day Snapstreak we're rocking. It feels good to be talking again every day, and to talk about things in our lives. We provide each other with comedy, humor, and important advice on parents and boys. All the good stuff there is to be discussed. I am so thankful for her presence in my life on the daily now.

Relationships come and go. Some we can explain how and others, we can't explain at all. Reconnecting with someone from your past isn't always the best, but in some cases, it can be a great thing. Having someone who understands who you were, and who you are today is a blessing. That person can understand who you were, where you're going, and who you are now. They know and respect the ways you've changed and transitioned, and they love you for who are now. The same goes for them as well, because you feel the same way.You might have more in common, you might even have less in common. Re-connection with someone from your past isn't always possible. You may have grown too far apart from that person. In some cases, there might be bitterness or hurt that was experienced. But I want to challenge everyone who reads this to think of someone who they lost a connection with. Think of why you lost the connection with that person? Was it a big deal, or something unexplained? If you feel comfortable, try reaching out to that person just to see how they are doing. It might be a little awkward at first, but maybe a little awkwardness could potentially be the price of a rekindled friendship. You never know unless you try!