More than a quarter century after I first stepped foot in Newton, Massachusetts I returned. There was no reunion, no major occasion or tragedy calling me back. I just missed my old friends from Boston College and my first job in television. I also wanted to reignite a spark from my current life.

Traffic was a beast up 95 to 91 in Connecticut. It ate into the time I’d planned to spend near the Boston harbor. As my journey from New Jersey hit the five hour mark, I scrapped the tourist activities for the days. My only focus was getting to the hotel and resting my weary back and knees.

The first thing I did when I made it to the Hotel Indigo to nap. Then, it was for a quick, hot shower before dinner with my friend Karen. Karen and I told stories, gave updates on our lives that couldn’t be found on social media or in a quick text messages, and smiled until it hurt.

The next day, I got up early despite back spasms to have breakfast with two friends from college, Donald and Ana, who married and had two children. Their daughters were little girls when I last saw them. When I entered the restaurant, I found two smart, articulate, head strong young women

Another meal with friends meant more talking and laughing and less eating for me. But, I didn’t mind. I left for a Red Sox game with my belly satisfied and my heart full. (Red Sox won)

I discovered this weekend that William Shakespeare was correct when he said, “Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find.” I’m blessed to have so many.

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