Friends

I often say that I don't really have friends here. I have nice people I know. And we spend time together but they aren't really friends like the friends I have tucked into special places in the world. The folks here have often felt like activity buddies. We make plans, we do things, we talk a bit (usually about what we have in common - work or paddling) and we do have fun. But I don't really feel comfortable having those meaning of life or "I don't know what the hell I'm doing" sort of conversations I have with some very special people.

I'm a place now where some of my favorite activity buddies are leaving Hawaii. And suddenly I'm thinking "No! You can't go, you're my friend."

I think it's true you can meet very special people anywhere and at any time. Unfortunately for me, I seem to realize how special they are a little late in the game. It's making me feel so sad that I didn't live up every moment with these people and accept them as friends as quickly as possible.