Do you remember how easily we used to find each other? No matter how large the crowd around us, we could locate one another almost immediately. Today, when I saw you standing in the middle of that room full of people, my heart stopped. Someone stepped aside, and there you were. I don’t even remember crossing the room.

Hugging you was pure instinct. I don’t remember if I even spoke to you before I grabbed you! I hope it wasn’t too embarrassing or awkward for you. I haven’t seen you in…what…nearly 20 years? Maybe it was a side-effect of all the family-hugging going on this weekend, but it never occurred to me NOT to hug you. Suddenly, I felt the years between us melt away. As if you were who you’ve always been, and I was myself once more.

You’ve known me since I was 12 years old. After so many years of friendship in varying degrees, we eventually lost touch. Why was that?

As I fell out of the circle of our mutual connections, and we were apart for so many years, I guess I let go of the idea that I would see you again. Silly, I suppose, to think it had to be permanent. I mean, all I had to do was ask about you, but for some reason, I could never bring myself to step back into that circle to ask.

I’ve thought about you. I’ve looked for you on Facebook. I’ve wondered where you were. I just never did the one thing it would have taken to reach out to you. I don’t know why. That’s on me.

Oddly enough, I was thinking of you just days ago, although I can’t remember what brought you to my mind. It never occurred to me that you would show up—today of all days—at the time and place where I was. I should have known. I should have expected it; you were always part of the family.

I have missed you. I rarely have the chance to be with someone who knew me as a kid; who watched me grow up. Sometimes, that’s exactly what I need.