Change + Distance = ?

As I look back, it facinates me to see how many things have changed in these last few years. We now all have smart phones, GPS devices and email 24/7. There is an APP for practically anything, from creating a picture of what you will look like when you are old to an APP that monitors and analysis your sleeping patterns. I can get on my plane by scanning by boarding pass from my cellphone and I can follow absolutely anybody on Twitter. Facebook is a crtitical component of our lives that allows us to express to the world our every thought and our every action. We can "check in" wherever we are and "tag" those who we are with. Toddlers operate tablets like they have gone through a complete computer engineering program and we can set our dvrs to record the latest episode of the housewives of Atlanta even if we are miles from home. So much has changed not only for the world, but also for my life and those I love. There have been breakups and marriages, new jobs and changes in careers, new homes and many travels around the world. So much has changed even from those days in Tampa, Florida when I was just a graduate school student hoping for a better tomorrow. I will never forget those years or the people who came into my life. And although I studied oh so very hard, I also lived amazing experience and created lifetime memories that I will never forget. There are memories of falling in love, football games and late night pizza snacks, heartaches and tears and many McDinton nights. However despite all that we went through, at the end we always seemed stronger and the bonds that we made with each other were tighter. However, most times as we grow up, we also grow apart from those we love. Let's face it, life keeps moving, we get busy, people change and the years pass by. But then again, sometimes for those lucky ones, the opposite happens and you realize that those bonds and those friendships are exactly the same and probably even stronger, you find yourself right where you left off; drinking wine and eating take out in the home of your good friends. You find yourself sitting around the kitchen island listening to 80's music and creating memories as if nothing ever changed. This weekend, I found myself realizing that I am one of those lucky ones that despite all of life changes and even despite distances, once we re-unite it is always like the good old times! Moral of the story: Sometimes when you least expect it, you are reminded that true love and friendship will remain strong despite it all, so enjoy and cherish those you love!