"You can't make old friends"

In the fall of 1970, I began teaching at Gorham High. I had two years of teaching under my belt, but switching schools, in addition to being a bride of only two weeks, made the transition to a new school very difficult for me. I remember going to school in tears a few mornings as well as returning home at the end of the day in tears.

My lifesaver that first year was David. David was also a new teacher at Gorham, also with two previous years of experience, but his previous two years were in Kentucky, while mine were in Maine.

David and I became quick friends. We shared our struggles as we tried to fit in with  a new faculty and a new student body.

David had left a girl back home to come to Maine. Her name was Norma. The summer after his first year at Gorham, David returned to Kentucky, married Norma, and brought her to Maine.

David and Norma became our (Ken's and my) closest friends. We spent many weekends together exploring southern Maine. Norma and I, both new brides, shared with each other the challenges of being wives, cooks, housekeepers, and workers outside of the home.

Dave and Norma stayed in Maine until June 1973, when they decided to return to their homestate, Kentucky.

I was devastated to see them go. I've always taken goodbyes hard, but parting with such good, solid friends was difficult. Luckily Ken and I had just purchased our first home, so I had that distraction to keep me occupied.

We have kept in touch with Dave and Norma over the years. They made two trips to Maine in the 80's; we visited them once in the 80's.

Although we hadn't seen them in person since the 80's, we've maintained our frequent phone calls, letters, and now, email.

David and Norma came to Maine for a visit last month.

I was nervous to be spending time with them again. Would we still find things to talk about? Had any of us changed?

My fears were put to rest the minute they appeared in our driveway. They were the same; we were the same. It was just that forty-something years had passed since we'd first met.

We started gabbing immediately and didn't stop to draw breaths until they left.  What a wonderful experience to see two long-time friends again.