Swimming in the El Camino

July 22, 2017

I recently had dinner with two dear girlfriends, Jessica and Erica. I first met Jessica when I was school age. My parents had moved us to a new neighborhood and while I was in front of our house, Jessica and her friends approached me, inviting me to play. Being extremely shy, I ran back into my home and locked the door. I soon heard the doorbell and when my mom opened the door, there was Jessica asking my mom if she had a daughter. My mom replied yes which made Jessica ecstatic, asking my mom if I could come out to play. I cried out of fear.

Jessica and I became great friends but lost touch when my parents and I moved after 9th grade. That was 23 years ago.

I met Erica a few years later, at Brandenburg Middle School. She was the new kid in school. As we were sitting there in 7th grade class, I walked over to her, knelt down, and whispered, "Bettie Lou* eats her boogers." (*name changed to protect the innocent)

Erica and I have been through a lot. We'd talk about girly things during our sleepovers and make chocolate chip pancakes for dinner. In the morning, she would always wake up before me (I remain a night owl) and out of boredom, she would wake me up in different ways. One time, I woke to her flipping playing cards at me. Looking back at all the years, Erica always made it to my birthday parties. Even if we had not seen each other all year, she would still show up to celebrate with me.

Now here I am, sitting at a Thai restaurant in Dallas, anxiously waiting to catch up with Jessica and Erica. Our first time to all meet after many years.

Jessica was the first to arrive. We gave each other a big hug and I couldn't help but get teary eyed. She is beautiful just like she was when we were kids. I remember she had cool clothes in grade school and she was even cooler for letting me borrow them. She was a couple years older than me and I looked up to her in many ways. A loyal subscriber to Seventeen magazine, she knew fashion and the latest trends. Her hair always seemed perfect and she loved wearing red lipstick. I remember she laughed a lot. She was full of life. I was quiet and shy. She used to call me "Thaowy", an endearing nickname.

Erica walked in a few minutes later. She is dressed casual and still looks classy. I am so thankful for our growing friendship throughout the years. She has always been there for me. During some of my worst times, she would be there to pick me up, give me some tough love, and say, "remember your worth". I could write an entire book about my friendship with Erica.

As the three of us went down memory lane, I was intrigued by their stories of our friendship that I couldn't remember. I was once told our brain is like a filing cabinet. The older we get, the more files we have. So when someone asks us about our childhood, it's not that we don't remember. It's in our filing cabinet but since there's so many files to go through, it takes time to remember the memories.

Jessica: I remember your uncle letting us fill the bed of his truck with water so we could swim in it!"
Thao: The El Camino? How did it hold water?
Jessica: I don't remember!
(we laugh)

I found a picture of my uncle's truck. It was actually a Ford Ranchero.

My mother and me with the Ranchero.

The owner of the Ranchero. My uncle using an orange peel to create a grill and make me laugh.

Jessica asked me to share my life with her. In a nutshell, I told her how a bittersweet end to a nine year relationship led me to get out of my comfort zone and travel the world. It was during these years that I developed my love for photography. I also told her how my last relationship led me to finally fall at the feet of my savior, Jesus Christ. Jessica replied, "I remember when we were young and you were getting really spiritual. And I remember Leesha (another neighborhood friend) and I arguing over which church you should go to. She was Baptist and I was Catholic but our reasons for wanting you to go had nothing to do with God. I remember saying, "Thao come to my church because they give out free pens!"
(we laugh)

_____________________________________

      I loved getting to spend time with Jessica and Erica. It is priceless to have people in your life who knew you so well when you were younger and can help you piece together moments you've forgotten. I thank God for an evening well spent and for the gift of a timeless bond with Jessica and Erica. I dedicate this post to their beautiful hearts.

The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

Photos of us three: Then and Now