The Tauntress

I’ve known Kari from the time we were in the same dorm Freshman year (Kildahl – Alribba, Riba, Roo!). She was the official party organizer – if there was a party, she either planned it, hosted it or knew about it. We got to know each while working in the Cafe (pronounced “calf”) together at St. Olaf College. I was one of the lunch ladies (“Two lines – you want ’em, we got ’em!”) while Kari was Queen of the Dry End (where the dishes came out of the industrial washer). Most days you could find her sorting silverware while I wiped counters, trading quips and talking about our upcoming Junior year abroad in England.

Oddly enough, we never saw each other while we were in Europe but became fast friends upon returning to college our Senior year. That friendship continued and grew through those tough years in our 20’s & 30’s while we struggled to establish ourselves financially and professionally. We’d fallen into the habit of calling each other “Dude” at some point along the way. She was “Dude” and I was “Dude Too” in response. There were times it was so comfortable to address her that way, the nickname would slip out when addressing other people – even occasionally co-workers. We still call each other by that sobriquet.

Kari followed me to Houston @2003 and ended up purchasing a home and pursuing her passion for the written word by becoming a Technical Writer. She is currently employed by Aramco and works in Saudi Arabia. We don’t get to see each other as often these days but somehow manage to stay in touch via Facebook, Skype and WhatsApp. Still, when I found out she was coming back to the States for a couple weeks after not having seen her for nearly 2 years, I knew I needed to plan a trip back to H-Town so we could reconnect in person.

Thing is — there’s all of these expectations and anticipations and palpitations around seeing someone you haven’t seen in while. Someone with whom you share such a deep and varied history. She and I have been through a lot together, survived the ups & downs that can break friendships and relationships. Kari is someone who doesn’t let go and who believes in second chances. That’s one of the main reasons we’ve stayed friends for so long.

Of course, the trip turned out to be fantastic. We had plenty of time to reconnect and for me to hear all of her stories about her world travels and the people she’s met and the places she’s seen and the things she’s purchased. There was an evening out at karaoke with our mutual friend Courtney and another afternoon gathering with friends we share from our time together in Texas. Kari’s mother is my adopted Mom Nancy and I was able to partake of her infamous Pull Apart Roast Beef — truly ambrosia of the gods! And of course there was veg-time, watching some Netflix and chilling.

Goodbye was tough, especially since I know she’s headed to a part of the world that isn’t always the safest. But I’m thankful that I made the effort to see her in person, to recommit to a friendship that’s lasted over 25 years. The older I get, the harder it seems to make new friends. I treasure Kari and the foundation and trust we have with each other. And I’m looking forward to the time we can be in the same physical space together again.