I’ve heard people say that “life is filled with many fleeting moments.” I’ve never believed this to be true. Until evidence of such things began presenting themselves in such away that it can take one’s breath away forcing some sort of internal reflection.

Where did time go?

When did that happen?

They were only 9-years old yesterday.

These moments often occur at life changing events: birthdays, graduations, goodbyes, and weddings–to name a few.

A few weeks ago, the husband, prima, and I made our way down to Anchorage. For the last few years, we’ve always flown. After years of driving from Fairbanks to Anchorage for soccer tournaments, the 6-hour drive has taken its toll and we’ve just decided to always take the 45-minute flight down.

But, not this time around. The husband knows the highway like no other, and we drove through the rain, which would probably be the last time (maybe).

The reason behind the trip was for a wedding celebration, and it wasn’t just any wedding celebration—its significance weighed on the simple fact that one of the boys who grew up with the firstborn took the first plunge into marriage.

The event also marked how much time has gone by in a blink.

Throughout time, those of us who became observers of their friendships have watched them play as a team on a soccer field, argue like old men, and laugh at things their parents would be better off not knowing.  I, for one have lent an ear to their relationships (mostly the firstborn’s), have watched them fall in and out of love with their girlfriends, and most of all, watch them arrive at their own conclusions.

I remember how there had been moments when I’d receive notification from the high school that the firstborn was absent in class. I’d call the school to inquire if there were specific “others” who’ve also missed class, and true to these guys’ class skipping methodology—the answer was always “yes.” Within that moment as I’d attempt not to get a headache from their shenanigans, I’d wonder how these boys would succeed in life. They are by far the worse examples that I can use when it comes to my argument about how success is tied with getting good grades in school. The firstborn would be one to admit this: getting good grades is great, but don’t count those who accomplished average grades out—they always find a way to succeed in life. I must admit that while he had a valid point, my counter-argument was that this usually means that one must have a very good work ethic. It’s difficult to argue with this sentiment when he’s a journalist, and his circle of friends have graduated in college with degrees–with one even becoming an Air Force pilot.

Thank goodness for life experiences, as these boys have proven that their work ethic is what got them through the tougher times of their lives.

On the other hand, I am always in awe of how natural these guys get along, and whenever time and location may set them apart from one another—they somehow manage to find their way back to each other, and not missing a beat—pick up exactly where they left off.

Therefore, it was no surprise that when one of them decided to get married, they all flew in from different places (Montana, Colorado, England, etc.). So, there we were at the celebration: an ex-soccer coach (the husband), ex-soccer moms, and ex-soccer dads who have shared many summers (often under the midnight sun heat, the unexpected cold weather, and under the ashes from summer fires of long ago) on the soccer fields. As soccer families who travelled together, we’ve stayed at many RV parks, and hotels. This time around, there were no soccer balls present—only the boys demonstrating their devotion to one of their own.

In truth, when I see the firstborn and his best friends maintain such bonds, there is a sense of peace in my mind that they will go through life with the foundation of their friendship.

Because if there is anything such friendships can teach us—it teaches us about the evolution of love—for what is more important than to have people love you as you continue to evolve through life, and all of its fleeting moments?

 

Blink and it all goes by..