Old friends

I have lived in three towns in my life. Darwin was where I was born and where part of my heart will always be. There is something magical about the Far North of our country, where life really is at a much slower pace and where people really seem to relax. Also part of my heart belongs there as at 19 I spent a magic, mad, incredible three months surrounded by some amazing women and lots of alcohol was drunk and many many memories were made.
Then I lived about an hour out of Perth for 10 years. The really formative part of my life was here. I was 12 when we moved and 22 when I chose to leave for reasons best left alone for now. Some of my dearest friends still live there and I am sad that the distance between one side of our country and the other is still really so far.
My bestest friend in Perth is a man. No he was never my boyfriend...truly never. That concept astounded more than one person. He was like my big brother. He is our baby girl's godfather and that role is one he truly deserves. He is married with two children of his own. Anyway life means that we don't often get to chat. Time differences, busy schedules you know how it goes.
We had a long chat the other day and I was reminded how precious old friends are, especially when they know you so well. Only some people can tell you exactly how they feel and we can do that with each other. We used to want to change the world. Actually he was my big social justice inspiration. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have been inside a juvenile detention centre to visit with the young people there. I wouldn't have had much of an idea about indigenous issues and I would never have protested at an American warship...(shh he may come in here and tell you that the two girls he took with him on this day actually didn't do so much protesting but did a lot of perving...don't believe him will you...) It is so nice to have a friend that knows your past, has seen you at your worst, and still likes you. Distance and time doesn't take that away. I am lucky.Thanks old friend. xx