That Cursed Aging Thing Strikes Again

While we were in nursery last year there was one little girl (we'll go with calling her Estelle) who was especially clingy, and she got very attached to me.  So much so that she would attempt to climb up me like a kitten if I didn't pick her up as soon as she came in and generally speaking I'd spend the whole first hour holding her, and then she'd play after snack time.  As I understand it things didn't go well after I got moved to Primary. (and then there was the kid who wouldn't go because Luke wasn't there . . . I guess there actually is a group we're popular with!)

Anyway.  She's a Sunbeam now and still gets excited when she sees me.  To the point that this past Sunday about halfway through sacrament meeting she ran back a couple of pews to sit on my lap.  Which was fine with me and I imagine her mom appreciated the break - she's very . . . energetic, shall we say.  Pretty soon after (Estelle) sort of just materialized in my lap one of her classmates came running back too.  Things looked like they were going to get really interesting for a minute, but (Brooke) just gave her a hug and said "hi (Estelle)!  I love you!" and went back to her family after just a few moments.  At which point (Estelle) turned back to me and told me all about how that was her friend.

It was seriously the sweetest thing I've seen in a long time.  These two scarcely played together in nursery last year, and I don't think they see each other except for Sunday.  But they spend two hours a week in the same room and that's all it takes to be bosom friends like Anne and Diana.  (judging you if you had to click that link, lol)

I wish friendship in adulthood worked the same way as friendship between three-year-olds.  Where mere proximity means you're as good as family.  All it takes is the same favorite color to forge an unbreakable bond.  None of this peacocking around trying to impress people, or worrying about saying the right thing.  Maybe you forget the other person exists when you're not together, but there's no wondering if you're actually wanted there when you're together.  No gossip, no nastiness, no secrets, no Mean Girls-style manipulation behind the scenes.  Three-year-old friendship is friendship in its purest form.

I mean, I know it's an overly simplistic view of things, and that life gets complicated, and that some people "just don't click," whatever that means (because I swear it's something different to everyone who uses it).  But I still wish we could hold on to some of the simpler, less complicated ways of looking at things we all used to have.  It might not bring about world peace but there would definitely be a lot fewer lonely people sitting in corners wondering what went wrong.  I can't help but think that most people would be happier.

Anyway . . . that's what's been on my mind this week.  Good thing spring break is next week - bring on the thoughtlessness!


P. ost  S. cript
We totally should have done this a few years ago.  Mostly because my dad would have reacted the exact same way.