False Spring

I have a very good friend that has been divorced for many years–maybe 20 years.  I don’t know for sure because it happened before I met her and it’s something she doesn’t like to discuss.  Since I’ve known her, she has always seemed very happy with a job she loves and a huge circle of friends and many hobbies.  We talked sometimes about whether or not she would start dating again if the ‘right guy’ came along.  She wasn’t sure it would ever happen.

Well, one day I got a call from her and she wanted us to go out together so I could meet her new man.

It was really quite embarassing.  My husband and I met them for dinner and they were all over each other.  Hands in awkard places, etc. My friend kept looking at me, grinning.  I tried to avert my eyes as much as possible.  The next day my friend called and asked what I thought.  I said it seemed like they got along very well. (hahaha)  She said she never thought she would find a good lover again and that it was such an exciting experience for her.  I agreed that it was a good thing and I was happy for her.

As the months went by my friend and her man spent less and less time together and finally broke up.  She said he was dating other people and would forget to keep dates with her, etc.  She was very sad for a while.

But, as I think about this, it is like the ‘false spring’ we are having this week.  60 degrees in January is not normal but it feels like a kiss from a long lost love.  Or, better still, from a new love you are just getting to know.

I am aware the cold weather will return and this is just a taste of things to come in a few months.  My friend had that rush of new love, then a very miserable time for a while, then love came again.  We need these small reminders that spring, like love, will come again with all the luscious perfection and wonderful promises of things to be.