Old Friends

Life can bring wonderful unexpected surprises. This last week was one of those as I gathered with three friends (as a result of Facebook) to catch up on 48 years. The experience was truly enriching and full of wonder as we told our life stories and shared the ups and downs of our years apart. Each of us could sense a feeling of having been directed and blessed through the journeys we related. We live in different places, have taken different directions, but still have the bond that brought us together so many years ago at Berkeley High School Class of 1962.

We were all members of social units (like sororities). In the context of the 60's in Berkeley there was some skepticism regarding almost everything. We decided there was a certain amount of exclusivity and pompousness in these groups that we were a little stuffy so we started our own "exclusive" tongue and cheek "Cuties" club. We had our own initiation and meetings. Although we continued our involvement with the larger groups we enjoyed our own get-togethers and bonding. After high school we all went separate ways as I eventually moved to Utah and the other girls attended different colleges.

I met Pam in an English class. She was always dressed so cute in her Lanz dresses and Capezio shoes. In high school my father was a graduate student at UC Berkeley while my mother taught school. We were quite poor and lived in the "flats" of Berkeley which was a definite social disadvantage but Pam reached out to me and we were eventually asked to join the Spartan social unit where we became fast friends. She was the first to marry of all of us and spent years living off the land in Montana. She and her family eventually made it back to the Bay Area where she worked and lived until their move six years ago to Washington State. She is still gracious and friendly and gave us some good cooking tips and a wonderful meal one night of our stay. She and her husband have raised a beautiful family and she is now probably one of the best grandmas ever.
I was very short and didn't have the nicest clothes but I started work at 14 at the Berkeley Daily Gazette as a copy/file clerk girl. I remember saving my money to buy one or two special pieces of clothing. My mother taught school next to a Goodwill store in Oakland so the ladies there got to know her and would save any "Lanz" dress that came in or special things in my size. I would buy Capezio shoes to go with the used clothing so I looked more presentable. I remember some really cute corduroy Bermuda shorts that I bought for $2.50 at Hinks. This photo was taken soon after graduation to send to one of my "special" missionaries.
Nancy lived "up on the hill" in a beautiful home. She was so sweet and fun. She was in many of the school plays and was interested in drama. Her mother was also a fun person who entertained us when we would come to visit. Nancy presented us with special cuties rings (pictured below) that her mother made for us. She so generously had us stay in her home on Balboa Island and entertained us graciously just as her mother did. We met her stunning daughter Lindsay who reminded me of "Greta Garbo" with her beautiful complexion and fabulous eyes.

Trudy grew up the street from Nancy.  They attended elementary school together and have continued their friendship through the years.   I knew Trudy from Garfield Jr. High then again at Berkeley High.  I always thought she was such an unpretentious and kind person.  Being with her again only reinforced that feeling.  She has started her own archaeological research company and lives happily with her husband and family in Redding CA.

Our Spartan years and group shots.
I had dark hair in this one because I was performing as one of the many wives in the "King and I" at school.
The three of us.
This is Pam and me with my cousin Karen behind. (note..I have on a Lanz dress from Goodwill)
Cutie Ring 48 years old.

The Earl Cottage on Jade Street.
Pam and Hilma
Balboa Bay

We talked and talked and talked, walked, reminisced, looked through our yearbook,  laughed a lot,  ate great food...and went for a picnic and a movie.


An important Balboa passage is eating at Ruby's on the Pier.


Nancy treated us all to a luxury pedicure which included flavored drinks, foot massages with our choice of aroma therapy.  It was relaxing and fun.  The results are pictured below.

I am reminded of a quote by Count Leo Tolstoy from his book Resurrection.  "And his mind passed through those phases in which a face which we have not seen for many years first strikes us with the outward changes brought about  during the time of separation, and then gradually becomes more and more like its old self when the changes made by time seem to disappear, and before our spiritual eyes rises only the principal expression of one exceptional, unique individuality."

For myself our time together only reinforced the knowledge that relationships are our most valuable eternal possession that goes with us and give us joy beyond the veil.  The 48 years melted away as soon as we saw each other again.  Thanks to everyone for such a wonderful experience.