I have known this friend who lives in England since I was ten years old. We have endured many life's challenges.
We found each other through a newspaper ad for a pen pal, that was before social media, and pen and paper ruled. We started writing to each other and got to know so much about ourselves and our family.
She is an only child, and I had seven siblings. I wanted to know how it felt to be the only one. No sharing. The quietness. No bickering. No sibling rivalry. I could envision all of those scenarios. Mine was the opposite. The loud laughter. The play dates. Seeking advise and getting hand-me-down clothes.
We didn't meet until we both got married and started families. Our children began writing to each other, just like we did many years ago.
Thinking back to how our friendship survived, I credit the excellent old letter writing - postage stamp and snail-mail. We looked forward to receiving the letter, and it took forever to receive it, but when it did arrive, it was pure joy.
I miss those days. I have resisted Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and all that social media has to offer, but I met another friend, who also seems to be a keeper who told me "there are bad people and bad things everywhere so don't give up on social media especially Craigslist. I have bought everything from furniture to anything you can think of from there. Try it"
I am not sure I will, just yet, but I am glad after all these years, I am still making friends the old-fashion way!
Peace!