It’s funny how physical distance, time differences, scheduling conflicts, and life in general can slyly attempt to refashion old relationships into altogether unrecognizable entities. I say it’s funny because sometimes said independent variables can gradually shape what were once previously conceived to be cherished relationships into insignificant and circumstantial ties. Everyone has those relationships that seemed unbreakable for a season, but then throw in an ocean of distance or a summer apart and boom, it’s like you’re strangers again.
On the other hand, it’s funny because there are those relationships that time and distance will tirelessly try to alter, but alas some bonds are simply made for keeps. There are few things like moving abroad that will so quickly distinguish which relationships are worth fighting for and which are better served by throwing in the proverbial towel. Luckily for me, I have managed to invest my time, effort, and soul into a group of radiantly fantastic individuals.
Don’t get me wrong, growing up I suffered my fair share of friendships that fell through, loyalties that folded like cheap tents, and misguided influences from supposed friends. Like any human being, I’ve been disappointed, hurt, betrayed, and abandoned by friends. But, I still count myself as one of the lucky ones because the gals that I consider to be my most dear friends have never done any of those things.
Last night I Skyped with Hayley on my phone (since for some reason, I can’t get video with her on my laptop) whilst sitting on the kitchen floor. Aside from Whatsapp and Snapchats, we hadn’t gotten to talk (really talk) for a few weeks. But right when I saw her smiling face reflecting back at me, it was like no time at all has passed since I left. I had told her that I just watched one of the YouTube farewell SATC videos, which had consequently made me miss her even more all of the sudden.
In the first part of the series’ farewell video, there’s a part where they talk about “The Soul” of the series – Sarah Jessica Parker comments that what the show had to have was the soul… the friendship between the four women. Cue to Carrie’s birthday when they make the soul mate pact: “it felt really sad not to have a man in my life who cares about me – no goddamn soul mates.” Charlotte: “maybe we could be each others soul mates?” Samantha: “sounds like a plan.” Then there’s a lovely montage of monumental moments in the show, the ups and downs if you will. “We don’t really have hallmark episodes or special episodes about the friendships, it’s just the base. The connection between the women is so strong the loyalty is so strong, it’s sort of like the grounding that enables the show to go to scarier, bleaker places.”
I am missing my soul mates today… But I suppose that is the beauty of the term… no matter how badly I miss them, I know they are there for me. I know that whenever the next time comes that I get to wrap my arms around them it will be like we haven’t skipped a beat. That’s just how it is. But until that time comes, here are some photos that will never cease to make me smile and laugh… xoxo
SAMHOPEHANSEN 