There are some friends to whom, no matter how much time has passed, you will always feel as close as when you first knew them years ago. My friend Ross is one of those. I first met Ross at York, among a group of visiting students from the United States with whom I hung out, and had a lot of fun. With my academic work, I got to spend quite a bit of time in the US in subsequent years, and that meant I got to see Ross too. My research and my US trips stopped after my stroke, and I’ve not seen Ross since, but we have kept in touch, and it has meant a lot to me to do so. Ross is a physio, who specialises in neuro rehabilitation. He really understands what I have been through.
Here are Ross and I in York on a memorable day back in 1992 (that’s me and Ross sitting next to each other on the step).
. . . and (ye gods) here we are in Glasgow in 2024.
Ross and I share the same birthday. More than thirty years has passed since we first met. We live on different continents and an awful lot has happened in our respective lives. But Ross is still my birthday buddy – the brother I never had.
Ross was passing through Glasgow last weekend on a trip with his wife, Erica, and son, Jake, who Tom and I got to meet . . .
. . . and enjoyed introducing to Conic Hill, Loch Lomond . . .
. . . and two very naughty labradors
It was wonderful to spend some time with my dear friend and his lovely family.
We must try not to leave it so long until the next time.
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That makes my heart smile 😁
All your emails are so very interesting and this was especially lovely and touching to read. So happy you had a chance to reconnect, visit and share a hug.
Hi KateJust a FYI which I hope is useful. Lately your emails donât have any content
Lovely! I just had a birthday, myself, and received a “many happy returns” email from a man I met at college freshman orientation, more than 20 years ago now. We had little in common even then–different majors, different hobbies–but ended up in line next to each other because our birthdays are one day apart. So ever since, we’ve sent each other birthday greetings and yearly update on our (very different) lives.
What a lovely story. Hope it carries on, and on, and on. Thank you for sharing. Sue Sharpe, Cape Cod, MA
Lovely pictures and good words
My best friend ( also a physio) and I have known each other for 50 years on September 4th. We do not live in each other’s pockets or even talk every week but we know the other will always offer support when needed. Although we have different outlooks on life, we can disagree, but never argue. Keep in contact with your he friend, getting to know the next generation is also a lot of fun..
How lovely to reconnect! I also have old friends like that…it’s very special indeed. Thanks for reminding us all of the importance of maintaining those friendships.
Dear Kate how lovely for you. I bet they loved your new house. You say two naughty Labradors. Does this mean the goody four paws Bran is learning the naughty ways of his big brother?
That’s so very sweet! I think I walked down that street in Glasgow in June. Those friends who stick with you, long distance, through all the things, are worth so much. Im glad you got such good visit.
SO lucky to reconnect with friends. best day ever :)
Oh that were a lot of steps down memorylane , love that. I know the feeling… I’ve got my two friends from our begin 20, when we rented a house in Rotterdam together, still see them so now and then: if there is a week passed … and each time we tell each other to keep in touch and don’t let so much time pass 😎