Serendipity

[vaneramos]

Saturday evening I spent the better part of an hour telling ghostsandrobots the story of Peter and Nancy, two friends from university whose lives have intertwined significantly with mine. They were the only Christian friends who didn't freak out when I came out. We have drifted apart since, and I hadn't heard from them in four years. A few weeks ago I dreamt about Nancy, then someone told me Peter had been ill. Then I had another dream, more propitious, which also seemed to refer to her. Talking to Ziggy on Saturday, I decided it's high time I contacted them.

It's queer identities week at University of Guelph, and this morning I helped staff a book sale at the University Centre to raise funds for OOTS. My shift was nearly over when a familiar figure—tall, lean, piercingly blue eyes, his Mennonite heritage obvious—emerged from the elevators nearby. It was Peter. He was dressed for work, and looked healthy as ever. I caught his eye, but it took him a moment to recognize me. It turns out he works at the university now, as a therapist presumably (last time we talked he was commuting to Brantford). Nancy still works at the pig research farm in Arkell. They have three children; the oldest is Brenna's age. It was a happy reunion, in fact the old chemistry of one of life's longest friendships came rolling back (we were roommates in 1985 to 1986). We both had to carry on, but I still have their number and promised to call.