When we were in Munich, we made some incredible friends with four other couples. We all had kids of varying ages at the same international school and we all were living in the city of Munich (as opposed to the rural village where the school was situated). We had a lot in common: similar tastes in art, food, wine, entertainment, travel. And we had a lot not in common, which made for lots to discuss and learn about each other as the friendships developed. As is often the case for expats, friendships get made quickly and strongly when you’re in an isolated position. And Germany can feel very isolating.

My first time living in Germany in 1995 I made some incredible friends very quickly who are still very close and critical people in my life. It was similar when I returned with my family for almost 5 years. We had a lovely relationship with three other families in our building, and we had a fantastic group dynamic with the four other couples I mentioned above (three from the west coast of the US and one couple from Australia). In Germany we got together for holidays, and dinner parties; we’d exchange recipes and travel recommendations; we would socialize as a group and as different pairings; we’d plan big events and small spontaneous activities.

As is often the case with expats, one by one the couples peeled off. Some of us back home to fulfill promises, some of us onward to other assignments. Whether it was a one year experiment, a three-year commitment, or a five year contract, we were all going our separate ways. And the separation was made more challenging with the pandemic. Most had left before the lockdowns, but even those of us still there, could no longer really see each other in person. It was a dark and scary time. But thanks to WhatsApp, we stayed in touch. Or at least the ladies did. I honestly don’t know if the men did.

Through the international moves, the pandemic, and the subsequent years, we kept in touch. Sometimes long conversations, sometimes just a meme. We’d wish happy birthdays and Merry Christmases. Sometimes months would pass, but it never really mattered. We were there for each other. When serious health issues happened, we rallied, and supported, and prayed. And when those health issues resolved positively, boy! did we celebrate for each other and express deep, deep gratitude.

Over the years some of us were able to catch up here and there, but we weren’t able to get a quorum until this past weekend. While we were still missing our Australian friends, the rest of us were able to get together for a long awaited reunion. One of the couples has a family cabin on a lake that made for the perfect place to get together. We all made our way, and it was like we never were apart. The temps were soaring, but we stayed cool in the lake. Larry did an al fresco pizza night for everyone. We got to see tons of wildlife (a deer with two baby fawns; herons, grebes, crows, bats, otters, and swallows). We laughed, we ate, we drank, and we caught up. We stayed up late chatting on the back porch. We were up early walking the trails. There was excellent conversation and terrific fishing. It was such a joy to hang out with such smart, fun, funny, clever, and well traveled people. Everyone pitched in easily and happily. We played games and played catch up on all the kids, some just graduating from high school, many already out of university.

We threw out big dreams for the next gathering, and vowed we would try to not let so many years happen before we hugged each other again. We all felt so extremely lucky in our lives and lucky to have each other in our lives. It’s special to have friendships that span time and place. It was a magical weekend, and once again I felt deep, deep gratitude to have such incredible people in my life. They really aren’t on social media, so I will respectfully not post any photos of them here. But I’ve got them all in my heart, and I’m already missing them.

Everyone left yesterday except me and Larry. Our friends were generous enough to let us stay here at the cabin for a few more days so that Larry can have his usual work week before we head to our next stop, which also happens to be our last stay in California for this year. It’s hard to believe it’s already June.