I think the best thing about old friends is that they know me.

I don’t have to explain myself when I say something stupid.

They know I have a big mouth and don’t mean half of what comes out of it.

I can talk on the phone with them while screaming at my kids at the same time.

They know I’m a good mom who just occasionally loses her voice.

We can go for months, even years without seeing each other or texting or keeping up.

And they still know me.

And I still know them.

Because old friends never say goodbye.

I’ve known Celia since before I could drive,

When my lips were still luscious and I was too deep to smile.

Since youth group, metallic pants and crushes on boys.

Sometimes I think the worst thing about old friends is that they know me.

In ways I don’t wish to be known anymore…

Before I had style and grace…

When I was still learning how to “cook the noodle.”

And I know Celia too.

In ways her new friends can never imagine.

In triangle pants…

In orange hair and brown striped sweaters…

The good, the bad and the awkward.

We are the stuff old friends are made of.

Celia’s married to Dan now…

and they have three amazing carbon copies of themselves.

Will,

Ana,

and West.

True Daytonians to the core they lived in a small house in Belmont and embraced the urban lifestyle.

Last year, Dan got offered a great job in Pittsburg  and so it was time.

Time for them to say yes.

Time for them to go together as a family.

Time for them to leave Dayton (for a little while at least).

Old friends may move away, but they never really go.

We hold them close in our hearts.

And in our memories that can’t be relocated or forgotten-

even if (sometimes) we wish they would…

This is the stuff old friends are made of.

Dear Celia and family, Dayton holds you in its heart.

Until next time…