Do the best friendships start because we seek them, or because life takes us toward the right people at the right time?
I live in central New Jersey and used to work at a place about 35 minutes drive from home. During the pandemic, I started a new job, and like most roles then, it was fully remote. But once the world slowly opened again, the company updated its policy and required us to come into the office once a week.
My boss mentioned that someone else on the team lived in the same city as me. The commute, however, wasn’t that simple, take NJ Transit, the PATH, long transfers, and the thought of navigating it alone filled me with anxiety.
So I reached out to her. I explained my situation and asked if I could join her for my first day back in the office. She didn’t hesitate. “Be at my place at 6:50 AM,” she said.
The night before, I prepared like it was an exam, my clothes laid out, bag packed, timing calculated down to the minute i.e 20 minutes to her house and 30 minutes to get ready. I set my alarm and went to sleep feeling prepared.
I opened my eyes to a glowing 6:50 AM.
It was her calling.
My alarm set for PM instead of AM.
I apologized, rushed through getting ready, and drove to her house as fast as I could. From there, we headed to the train station, and she guided me through every step of the commute. We reached the office…, and for the first time ever, she was late, because of me.
But that morning changed everything.
Somewhere between the missed alarm, the frantic rush, and the shared commute, we connected. She became my go‑to person at work, and the one I looked forward to seeing, the one who made the office feel lighter, warmer, easier.
Eventually, she moved out of New Jersey to Texas. We’re still on the same team and still stay in touch, but it’s different now. I miss her, her presence, her energy, the comfort of knowing she was just a few minutes ride away.
Some friendships arrive quietly, in unexpected moments.
Mine began on a morning when everything went wrong, and somehow turned into something so right.
Comments
2 responses
Oh my!!! That morning is soooo fresh in my head Anita! Your yellow dress and you hahaha. You have captured those emotions so well. I miss us. I miss our train rides.
Path and Nj transit. For sure many relationships are built in that train. And ours is another but though different with me
Being in Texas and you there, I am the same. When we meet, I sure it will be like nothing ever changed.
This write up was so notalgic and funny at the same time… going back to that day with you in my car. Remember on the way back we went to pick up my daughter! I miss you dearly my friend. ❤️
Thank you for taking the time to share your comment. And yes, I do remember picking up your daughter (little Dora!) on the way back. She was such a quiet little cutie. I miss both of you. But I know that when we meet again, everything will fall right back into place like no time has passed. Thank you for always being there and for making me smile in the best way. ❤️