A Reunion Nine Years in the Making

Almost ten years ago, I made a decision to take a year abroad - I'd had a rough few years and really needed to get away from the town where I grew up. I could have transferred somewhere a few hours away, maybe moved to Seattle.

But I needed a serious change. So I moved to England.

I flew into Heathrow, completely alone, toting two huge rolling suitcases, a backpack, and a laptop. Being completely naive, I thought I would be able to navigate my way from London to Plymouth by myself. But as soon as I landed I knew I was wrong.

Have you been to Heathrow? It is CRAZY HUGE.

By some divine intervention, the school I was attending had sent a coach that day to pick up exchange students. I KNOW. I still to this day do not know how I got so lucky.

On that four hour bus ride from London to Plymouth, I met the person I would share everything with - hangovers, studying, LIFE - for the next 10 months. Ashley.

(Here we are - yes I cropped someone out. Deal.)

I didn't think it was possible to connect with somebody so quickly, but man, we just hit it off immediately. She was quite possibly one of the coolest people I'd ever met. In spite of being Canadian. I kid, I kid!

Ash and I spent nearly every day together, travelled to Wales, Ireland, Italy and France, and even decided that in lieu of spending money going to Scotland, we would instead spend that cash and go on a one week bender. Priorities, right?

The ten months flew by and before I knew it, we were in London, saying our goodbyes. We promised, through tears, not to lose touch, and that we would see each other soon.

We have NEVER lost touch. But, as it does, LIFE happened. And it wasn't until today, nearly nine years to the day, that we saw each other again.

And it was like we'd never been apart.

I love you forevs, Skid. Let's not wait another ten years.