The Table

    I sat back in my chair and looked at the three men who sat around the table.  I can remember when we were just little boys, and our only real worries in life was if our school homework was done, or if we would win our next baseball game.  Now here we were 40 years later, grown men.  Even though I haven't seen them in so long, my love and affection for them has grown.  It took this gathering for me to realize that.  I am overwhelmed with emotion as I listen and look at them, but I keep it to myself.
     The friends, and bonds we make between the ages of 10-15 years of age are special.  And sadly never to be seen or felt again.  I remember how that thought would make me sad, even melancholy.....Now hearing their voices, seeing their faces, but most of all hearing them laugh.  I never realized it a the time, but our childhood friends supply us with many wonderful things.  Companionship, support, a sense of belonging and most of all, our sense of identity, and who we are.  It's a big part of who we eventually come to be in life.
      When age hits me,as it will do with us all, and decides to steal my memories, I hope and pray these are the ones that will remain with me until the last of my life.  The smiling faces of my friends.  I do not want this time to end.  I want this day to go on forever.....Mike