Friday, October 18, 2013

Full Circle Friends

Susan & Robin friends since 1957 - 56 years friends!

Yup, I've known Robin Warshaw since we were pups! Childhood buddies, we met at Pennypacker Elementary School on Washington Lane and Upsal Sts., in West Oak Lane, Philadelphia. Robin's parents hosted the coolest Halloween Parties, so it's funny and fitting that she'd visit me this time of year. Umm, well, actually I'm lucky since I live literally across the Mississippi River from Robin's daughter, Becca, who is a freshman at the University of Minnesota. Really really great karma!

Becca and Mom

So when Parents Weekend was coming up I asked Robin to stay with me for a long weekend of sharing her excitement at watching Becca's remarkable transformation to a super together young university freshman while we get to reminisce about our own childhood, high school and university days.
Robin in my office/guest room. That's our high school graduation photo over her right shoulder!

Due to the peculiar gerrymandering of boundaries during our childhood, I attended elementary school with Rob, but we spilt ways during Junior High, me going to Leeds in Mt. Airy and she Wagner Jr. High. Ahh, but we caught up again becoming a part of the Heavenly 211ly graduating class of 1967 from the legendary Philadelphia High School for Girls. 

 My 100% accidental seat for the orchestra's performance! 

Becca's good friend is in the University Band - they did a bang up job!

Go figure that the first night of Robin's visit, we met Becca for dinner then attended a concert by her good friend who was in the band. Once seated we looked down and lo and behold I was in seat 211, our class number. Totally funny!

Robin went away for university and I moved into a rather dicey resident situation for my first year. Happily, Robin and ran into each other when she decided to return to Philly to attend Temple University, my alma mater. We became roommates in 1968, remaining together until 1970. 

Chris smiling, Becca glowering

Pretty amazing how in a good lifecycle, we come full circle. Now Becca is exploring her world, wings fully spread, circling all that life can offer. She has made great new friends, works very hard at school, and seems to like Minnesota a lot, which is good, since her beloved Aunt Ellie made her home here and she has family who love her. For me, it's simply a big, big blessing to be able to host my life long friend, see her wonderful girl grow into a truly remarkable young woman, and to ride the waves of friendship.