Thanks be to social media and particularly, Whatsapp, we have reconnected with friends right from our school and college days. That is very long time of being friends and we have shared a lot in life considering that we are in the thick of middle age. From just being friends and having fun conversations with each other as 15 year olds, we gradually and surely grew older. Many of us know each other for almost 40+ years! (amazing, isn’t it)The days were beautiful when all we did was discuss homework, share lunch, meetup somewhere after school and talk about some totally unrelated and fun topic. They were carefree days and there was not a worry in the world!
Time gave way and soon most of us were getting married and we were busy sending each other wedding cards. We shared good news about us studying further, getting married or moving abroad. There was always happiness in us sharing the good news to all. Social media was in its infancy then, but somehow the news got relayed from one person to another and soon everyone in the erstwhile class knew what the other person was doing! 
Soon, we all had kids and we lost touch, since we were drowned in parenting duties. We continued our school and college friendship through our parenting lens. As our kids grew, we soon found time to mingle and renew our warm friendships that had stood the test of time. Each time we met, we would always reminscince about our school/college days and walk down memory lane. It was always nice to share things with somebody, who knew you even before your spouse knew you! It was a warm comfortable conversation because your childhood friends knew you the best and accepted you for the way you were. Of course, a lot had changed in life and you might not be the same person that you were. In spite of the changes, your friends stood like a rock with you.
As the kids moved out of the house or got married, we shared another sad phase of life together. We were in the age where our parents were passing away. Now, we were united by grief as all of us were losing one parent(or both) with a few years gap. This is the current phase of our life but we somehow manage to stand with each other through this difficult phase of life too. Many are also getting their children married and becoming grand parents too! (that seems to be an exciting phase! :))
This is one relationship that is witnessing all the stages of life and they are ‘friends” whether from school, college or any other stage of life. Once you have a group of friends whom you can depend on for comfort, happiness, strength, one can overcome many obstacles and enjoy as you sail along life!
Dedicated to all the friends in my life!
This post is for BlogchatterA2Z 2025!
I’ve always believed that friends are the family we get to choose, and your words totally reminded me why. The little inside jokes, those random calls, the silent support—it’s magic, isn’t it? I’ve had friends who’ve seen me through my absolute worst and stayed without flinching. That kind of bond? Rare and priceless. Reading your post made me pause and think about my own circle—and how grateful I am for them. We often forget to say it, but your post is the kind of gentle reminder we all need.
You made me to feel so senti. Friends – not only academic ones – but also those from broader circles – have influenced me greatly. We navigate the ocean of life, fellow travelers join us for a while, impacting us both positively & negatively. That’s the beauty of life.