The Event ~ Childhood Friends Reunited

Last week Tim and I had the pleasure of reuniting with my bestest childhood friend.  We visited Heidi and her husband Dave at their new  retirement home in Chino Valley, AZ.  It was the first time I had seen her in about 32 years.  I stayed at her house in the summer/fall of 1981 when I went to Missoula for my Grandpa Gallwas' funeral.  What a treat it was to see her again and catch up through the years and reminisce. 

Heidi and I - Feb 2014

Heidi Gasser and I met at church camp either the summer before or the summer after 4th grade.  Camp was held in the mountains of western Montana near Big Timber.  Heidi was from Sand Springs, a remote tiny dot in the bare, desolate ranch land somewhere about 150 miles northwest of Terry.  I don't remember what led us to become such soul mates back then, but we did.

Heidi at church camp - 4th grade (?)

Heidi and I remained pen pal friends through all these years.  We continued to meet at church camp in the same location through 8th grade.  Throughout high school we maybe got to see ech other once a year.  I remember visiting her at her ranch home.  And I remember her coming to Terry a couple times to visit.

Heidi and I at our house in Terry - 1966 or 67 (?)

We would write letters faithfully almost weekly.  Since her last name was Gasser and my last name was Corneliusen,  I would  "buy" gas from her and she would "buy" corn from me in our snail mail correspondence.  It was so silly.  It was so funny. 



Heidi's wedding

We were "maid of honor" in each other's wedding.  She was also the wedding singer at my wedding.  Heidi always wanted to be a writer, journalism was her major, and today she has authored three books based on the life of her "cowboy-rodeoing" Grandmother.

Having a long-time friend is really something special.  Long-time friends enrich one's life, and Heidi has certainly enriched my life.  Friends are a blessing, but long-time friends like Heidi are extra special. It was an eventful time to renew our childhood ties.  Hopefully, we will see each other again and not wait so long!      

NOTE ADDED JULY 2014:  Heidi's husband Dave died July 30 due from reoccurring cancer and other health-related issues.  My heartfelt prayers and sympathy extended to Heidi during this time.