"We Will Still Be, Friends Forever"

When Zach graduated in June I posted the lyrics to "Graduation (Friends Forever)" by Vitamin C. That was the graduation song when I graduated from High School. It still haunts me a month later. But for a different reason now.

Two weeks ago, we got the letter in the mail naming Zach's Kindergarten teacher. At camp last week they put the kids into groups based on which elementary schools they are going to. Zach had met one at orientation in May. As usual, Zach has fantastic taste in friends and his Mom is really nice too. I found out yesterday that this kid has the same teacher.

The kinds of friendships mentioned in that song sometimes start here. Zach and N connected right away back in May and Zach has been talking about playing with N throughout camp. On the first day of school, they will be there in the same classroom. A budding friendship is forming. The kind of friendship that lasts.

I've talked before about my High School friends. In almost all of the cases we lost touch after graduation but have renewed our friendships in the years since college graduation. It's easier to maintain childhood friendships when you go to the same school or both go to colleges near home. True friendships will last forever even when you loose touch.

Zach and N have a long road and a lot of ups and downs ahead of them. There will be fights and possibly declarations of "not wanting to be friends anymore" but they will stick together. I remember when we met N and his Mom. Much like my instincts that Josh will be someone important to me, I sensed even before introductions that this friendship is special.

"We will still be, friends forever". All of those friendships start somewhere. They all start with finding something you have in common. N lives really close to us. I foresee a lot of street catch ended with dinnertime calls in the future. I see graduation from High School pictures of the two of them because you HAVE to get pictures of the "best friends since Kindergarten".

Developmentally, we don't have any real memories before age 5. When we are older and talk about "when I was a kid", we are talking about Elementary school. Graduating from High School means everything you've ever known is changing. Because you don't remember before then. Zach has officially started that phase in his life that will become a major part of who he becomes when it's over. It's exciting!!! And N will be right there with him for this part of the ride. This friendship will stick in Zach's memory forever.

"As we go on
We remember
All the times we
Had together
And as our lives change
Come whatever
We will still be
Friends Forever"

The chorus to Graduation (Friends Forever)

Suddenly, I'm not experiencing High School flashbacks. I'm experiencing High School flash forewords. This time, it's Zach and N. They are just starting to create those memories together. The memories that build an unbreakable bond. There will be other friends and hopefully a group they are both a part of. But this friendship is special.

When Zach wears that cap and gown in June of 2027 will N still be in his group of friends? It's definitely too soon to tell. But knowing it's a real possibility makes me happy. Here we go Zach, are you ready for the most important 13 of your life?