25th April 25
Then and Now
Last night I went to celebrate my friend’s 50th birthday. She is someone I have known since I was a teenager. Back then I seemed to always be around her house. We did so much together in our teens and early twenties. We met up less once we got married and our lives changed.
Even though we don’t see as much of each other as we use to, we are still friends and last night I went to a girls night out to celebrate with her. There were about 10 women around the table and most of them I knew from those days. We spent the time reminiscing and sharing old stories.
We were all having a laugh, especially when all the old photographs came out. It started off well and I was giggling at them. But towards the end of the pile was when all the photos of me came out!
She had so many photos of me and that was when my laughter got louder. I think a few shrieks even came out at some point. There were photos of me when I accidentally dyed my hair orange, some in fancy dress, a few came out when shell suits were in fashion (I remember loving mine) and one that was so embarrassing that I’m not going to even mention.
It was a lovely evening and as I sat there laughing, slightly cringing, and remembering who I was back then. I felt something beautiful – gratitude.
Gratitude for the friendships that have lasted, for the phases I’ve lived through, for the person I was, and the person I’ve become. Those photos reminded me that every version of me, no matter how awkward or outrageous, is part of my story.
Sometimes we need those moments of reflection and laughter to remember how far we’ve come and how fortunate we are to still have people who’ve seen it all and are still around to celebrate with us.
