We recently attended the wedding of a son of my husband’s college roommate. As our children mature, it is the new occasion to reunite.  Affording us the third such joyous occasion in as many years, it was special in many ways. What was most special, to me, was the interaction of the four collegians.  If they were to be assigned a compass direction for their individual personalities, Bob would be North, Drew is South, my husband would probably be West and Bill would definitely be East.  But these very different men bonded over forty years ago and whenever their collegiate reunions occur every five years, and even now,

“Up Against the Wall Guys.”

they pick up right where they left off.  The compassion, concern, empathy and updates mixed with laughter and angst.  It is an amazing thing to witness.

Through births, milestone birthdays, weddings, wakes, bar mitzvahs, and major life changes, their bond stands firm.  Ironclad.  When we announced we were leaving the friendly confines of Chicago after lifetimes in residence, each gentle man called my hub and asked the same question:  “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING???!!!!

Interventions, apparently, are part of the mix as well.  They are born out of love (in a bromance kind of way) and equal concern for mental stability.

I came to the mix late.   My first experience with this group was just after we had gotten engaged.  Bill’s elegant and warm wife hosted a brunch for the fact that we were in the vicinity and all were curious that the Norwegian Bachelor Farmer was finally about to take the leap into matrimonial bliss with a woman only very recently divorced….

They were welcoming nonetheless.  Graciously so.  My “baggage” was left at the door and exchanged for the happiness they felt (in a bromance kind of way) that Mr. West had finally found someone he could happily fulfill his dreams of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, hot sex, children and a mortgage in the burbs.

The foundation of their friendship is acceptance, inquisition, honesty, and support.

All friendships should have these four pillars.  We are all on our journeys.

I am so grateful of their pillar of acceptance.  These three other gentlemen and their lovely wives (equally diverse) form a foundation in my life.

What more can you ask from lifelong friendships?