Lucy and I spent the day in Birmingham, which is about half an hour away from Wolverhampton — a hop, skip, and a jump by North American standards. We had a meal at one of her favourite restaurants, a non-GMO modern Asian place called Wagamama, did a bit of shopping at the giant Bullring shopping and leisure centre, and paid a visit to BM&AG — Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery*.
It’s so good to see Lucy again. She’s my dearest friend, starting from my first days in the UK, thirteen years ago. We’ve shared many an adventure, many an experience, the highs and lows and all manner of happenings in-between. She attended my wedding in October, and met the love of my life before he passed away.
I can’t count how many times in the past few painful months that I wished we were less than an ocean apart. I began to resent the telephone for its inadequacy in being unable to teleport my friend to me. I don’t have much time here, but I’m grateful to have the opportunity to reconnect with those who can be supportive in ways that longtime friends can be. Just being with a friend doing ordinary things is comforting. No need to explain anything.
* I’m wearing a photography permit sticker to show that I’ve read and signed a statement that says I understand the material is under copyright and won’t use the photos for commercial purposes. Personal websites are OK.