Is Facebook a good way to maintain a friendship? Yes – it is. Facebook is excellent for posting pictures, sharing updates, and letting your friends get a glimpse into your life. I enjoy the platform and spend a fair amount of time on it. But, nothing replaces spending time with your friends in person. Especially those who do not live locally.
Many of my friends live elsewhere
As both of you know – I went into the military after graduating college. The next decade was spent at various locations around the country and the world. Many of my friendships formed while I was in the military. As a result – many of my best friends do not live in the local Washington DC area. Instead, they are all over the country. I use Facebook to communicate with them. It is also a convenient way to stay connected with my high school and college friends. Some of them live elsewhere as well.
Why I wrote this billboard
Last summer Kim and I wanted to take another trip to Florida. Our first trek to Miami on Memorial Day weekend did not go as planned due to bad weather. We had fun but missed the sunshine. We decided to visit Tampa. Sun, sand, cigars, and good craft beers were on the agenda. I was really looking forward to the trip for multiple reasons.
Reconnecting with an old friend in Tampa
An old friend, Andy Crabb, lives in the Tampa area. I had not seen Andy in decades. We grew up in the same neighborhood and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School together. Andy and I both went into the military immediately after college. More recently he retired from the Marines as a Colonel after a distinguished career in special operations and settled in Tampa. I was excited to see Andy and get a chance to meet his girlfriend Cheri. I wondered what Andy was like after thirty years. He probably thought the same.
A fabulous time in Tampa with Andy and Cheri
Kim and I met Andy and Cheri at a craft brewery called Coppertail. It is in the historic Ybor neighborhood of Tampa. We had a great time catching up over a few beers…well more than a few. Reconnecting was awesome. It was the highlight of the trip. I am really glad that we were able to spend time with them. We plan to see Andy and Cheri next time we are in the Tampa area. I learned several more of my friends live there also. I hope to return soon.
How I incorporated this billboard into my life
I try my best to visit friends when I travel. It is always time well spent. We are able to catch up and they know the lay of the land. When Geoff lived in New York City, we would spend time with him. I am glad both of you know him. Some of my favorite big Apple memories are adventures with Geoff. The same is true for my friends in Charlottesville. I hope to keep this trend going for the rest of my life. It brings me tremendous joy.
What about you?
Do you spend time with your friends when you travel? I hope so. If not, look them up the next time you are in their neck of the woods. Facebook, Instagram, and instant messaging are great tools for staying connected with others. But, nothing replaces spending time in person with your friends. Make the most of it. You won’t ever regret it.
Visit old friends while you travel. They are great people and are for you
Dad