When I returned to Alaska just about five years ago, we reestablished our connection as though the past two decades meant nothing. That New Year's Eve, they started our now-annual tradition by coming down and spending a few days with us (even though we were living in that crowded two-bedroom rental at the time--their family stayed at a hotel). We make certain to visit with one another several times a year. Sometimes, like this year, we get adventurous. Often, we spend the time just hanging around each other, talking, and playing Catan.
The decades seem to slide away we are together, and I feel like I'm in my idealistic early twenties again. Sure, there are reminders that time has caught up with us a bit, but I often feel that our visits with each other are the best form of therapy. They are more than friends to us, and have become like family. I feel so tremendously blessed to have them in our lives.