…and today, the road was A1A. Sometimes it’s been Route 13. It’s also been SW 18th Street, SW 238th Street, I-95, I-75 and so many other roads as well. And, one could say, it’s even been the internet highway.
I’ve been wanting to blog about this song for a while now, but I couldn’t quite find the inspiration. Until last night, which brought an overdue, long awaited (and very lovely) reunion to my life.
[Warning: This post may be awash with sentiment, but, oh well, I’m feeling sentimental today, and unapologetically so].
I hope the day will be a lighter highway
For friends are found on every road
Can you ever think of any better way
For the lost and weary travelers to go
From the soundtrack to the 1971 movie “Friends,” it’s a sweet, innocent song, unmistakeably (lyrically, vocally and instrumentally, especially the rich orchestration) from the early years.
[Side note: I’ve seen most of the movie, but, as a mother, I was a little uncomfortable and somewhat disturbed with the depiction of the “love story” between such youngsters, so I didn’t watch it to the end. But I digress].
I’ve traveled around the sun way too many times to openly admit, but it is so comforting to know that there are some friends (regardless of time, space and other degrees of separation) who will be my friends forever. Some are related to me, most are not, but it matters not. The main criteria for a “forever friend” – they don’t judge you. They accept you for who you are. Period.
Making friends for the world to see
Let the people know you got what you need
With a friend at hand you will see the light
If your friends are there then everything’s all right
Yesterday, as I got ready for the reunion, I was surprised that many of the insecurities of my twenties, which I truly thought I had overcome, came rushing back to the surface as I stood in front of the mirror. (Does that mean they are still there, just pushed deep down so I don’t have to deal with them everyday)? You know, I truly, really wanted to go, but I almost talked myself out of it. Needless to say, I am so glad I didn’t. Wonderful friends, wonderful memories, and promises to keep seeing the light together.
It seems to me a crime that we should age
These fragile times should never slip us by
A time you never can or shall erase
As friends together watch their childhood fly
If I recall correctly, in an interview for The Union, Elton said that, of all of his recordings, he wished Friends had gotten more recognition than it did. (Hmmm…I could say that about a lot of his albums, frankly). But today, I agree wholeheartedly with that sentiment.
Friends (Friends – 1971)
The Captain and the Kim 
“A time you never can or shall erase”….special times and special people are etched forever in our memories and lives. I too am very glad you came and look forward to seeing you again soon. And now that you got me started, I’m off to listen to some more Elton…
I waited to read this until I got home. Facebook on a phone is too lame. I am speechless Kim.
Great minds… After meeting up with you, I had decided I wanted to dig and find something from Elton John that I could quote to you, and yet you not only beat me to it, your sentiment was far more than I could have articulated.
If you had not come on Friday, I would have been crushed, and probably would have shown up on your doorstep. Silly girl, you are still the same funny, intelligent, wonderful and beautiful friend from days gone by.
I cannot express how grateful I was to have so many friends come out for our reunion. I have always cherished those friendships and it was so energizing to see others that shared those feelings.
I am going to save this blog in my memories book. It’s that perfect.