Becca came up with the idea of  inviting classmates from our elementary school to a girls weekend. I was a little nervous. After all, we'd barely seen each other since Nixon resigned. 

But it turned out to be a wonderful time -- a chance to reconnect, share stories, and reaffirm our childhood friendships. 

Some of us are married, a few even happily. Some are single. Most have kids. A few have traveled extensively, while others have stuck close to home. On paper, we have little in common; and yet, it became clear as the hours passed that we have everything in common. 

We walked the canals of Naples, rented an electric boat for a sunset cruise, shopped, ate, cooked and lounged. But mostly we reminisced about our formative years and how they shaped who we are today. And, despite some bumps in the road of life, how lucky we are. It was better than therapy.  I hope we do it again.

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Days later, I was listening to a song from Wicked in my car:

I'VE HEARD IT SAID
THAT PEOPLE COME INTO OUR LIVES FOR A REASON
BRINGING SOMETHING WE MUST LEARN
AND WE ARE LED
TO THOSE WHO HELP US MOST TO GROW
IF WE LET THEM
AND WE HELP THEM IN RETURN
WELL, I DON'T KNOW IF I BELIEVE THAT'S TRUE
BUT I KNOW I'M WHO I AM TODAY
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...