Old friends are a gift beyond measure.  The history they share binds them like no other, for shared experiences enrich us all as we get older. Memories are a very important dynamic in the bonds we share with old friends.  Pictures from the past can elicit loud laughter in public places. But whether happy or sad, the experiences from our past can bind us tightly together. We have shared LIFE with these people.  And, that is priceless.  

New friends can be just as cherished and loved and enjoyed.  But there is just something that old friends have that others can not.   That something is history. Not just the history of the friendship, but the times in which we lived and grew up together.  Things that were happening years ago are part of the history that formed the backdrop of our combined stories. These things are embedded into our psyches.  And they enrich the foundation of our relationships.

Old songs are a great example of how familiar melodies are treasured.  Remembered music brings people back to life even after they have fallen into dementia.  One must never underestimate the power of music to evoke memory. This is because a song from the past can help us stay connected to our old friends no matter what happens.  And that is a wonderful thing. 

Recently, grade school classmates of mine began to meet monthly.  And even if our paths had not crossed for a very long time, the relationships were vibrant and full of true affection.  What a marvel to be a part of this experience! We speak of how wonderful it is. Getting older does have benefits that cannot be had when we were young.  The passage of time and life makes us who we are. Old friendships bring the added ingredient of who we were. The combination of these two is a treasure that only old friends can share. And that is a precious gift indeed.