A Friend

“A true friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.” – unknown

Bonnie and I spent part of last week in northern Colorado. Now I could tell you that we went to view the sights and scenery, and that would be true, but to be perfectly honest, a key part of our visit was to meet a fellow blogger and acquaintance, Monte Stevens.

I originally met Monte approximately ten years ago over dinner shared with another mutual blogger. Since that meeting, I’ve followed and often commented on Monte’s blog, and he’s done the same with my blog, Meandering Passage. Over the passing years, I’d grown to feel that Monte and I shared many of the same views and interests. We were always encouraging and friendly, and perhaps, in the odd way the Internet connects people, we became “friends.” However, in the truest sense of the word, I didn’t really know Monte well enough to be a true friend. Part of it is that I don’t collect many friends, never have, and so I kinda hold that position highly.

Through Meandering Passage, and comments Monte left, my wife, Bonnie, started reading Monte’s blog on a near-daily basis. Often even before I had a chance to read the latest posts, she’d be asking, “Did you read Monte’s post today?” Meeting Monte was something she wanted to do, and it became somewhat of a bucket-list item for her. After checking with Monte about availability, we made the travel arrangements.

As is often the case, our first meet-up was over food. The conversation felt natural, and laughter came easily. Soon, we were planning the following day out, seeing the sights. It turned out to be a glorious, unplanned day with me driving, Monte giving directions and background information, and us stopping at whatever amazing Colorado sight that appealed to the three of us.

Our final get-together, a couple of days later, was also over food. What can I say? We all love good food.

For me, the visit confirmed the connection with Monte, that he was genuine and was not only what his blog indicated, but much more. It allowed me to get to know him, and hopefully, he feels that he knows me a little better as well. The three of us had conversations that ranged widely, from philosophical to fairly personal and introspective. I left feeling we were all friends (for real), and I hope we can meet up again.