‘We would catch up as often as we could and, as time passed, we introduced each other to mutual friends who lived close by. Growing older (and owning a bicycle) I would visit in the evenings after school. I would cross quiet roads and a railway line to reach our numerous different meeting places’
I spent some time with an old friend today. It’s always good to catch up. We have known each other for more than fifty years and have seen many changes in that time; some relatively minor, some life-changing. We had not had chance to meet for quite a while and quietly reminisced about the times we’d spent together; the changing environment through the years, the times of extreme weather we had witnessed, generations of people who had come and gone, the good times and the not so good times; the difficulties we’d faced, sometimes together, sometimes apart; the periods of time when life had got in the way and prevented our catch-ups for months, sometimes several years.
Times of absence however, had not weakened us. The strength of our relationship was unscathed, that much was clear. Indeed, it had only grown in strength with the passage of time. As with all strong relationships, words have not always been needed to reinforce the closeness and understanding from both sides. Time together is enough to acknowledge our fellowship. At times my friend can be a deep, strong, purposeful acquaintance with unseen undercurrents. On other occasions, a more care-free, ‘go-as-you-please’ outlook can be shown. Either way, our companionship is invaluable.
We first met when I was around ten years old. I remember my father introducing us on a warm summer’s day and we immediately struck up a close friendship. Looking back, those early years seem idyllic. Technology had not yet given us twenty-four hour news channels or the mobile communication devices we’re accustomed to these days and anyway; I guess my parents knew where to find me…
We would catch up as often as we could and, as time passed, we introduced each other to mutual friends who lived close by. Growing older (and owning a bicycle) I would visit in the evenings after school. I would cross quiet roads and a railway line to reach our numerous different meeting places. Those roads and our daily lives have changed greatly since those bygone days. Ours was the best type of friendship; stories were told, secrets were shared, no questions were asked and no doubts were raised.
From time to time, we have been ravaged by brutal storms, our ways have indeed been altered and although there have been times when I have been deeply concerned for my friend’s well-being, we have both prevailed and although it is fair to say we have both aged, our bond is undiminished. No matter what the conditions, through weeks of seemingly endless torrential rain, bitterly cold winters or enduring long hot summers, we always showed up and, to this day, time spent in each other’s company continues to be an absolute pleasure.
I always look forward to our catch-ups, confident that the exchange will be interesting, stimulating and, above all, extremely enjoyable. After all, we have so much in common; having grown up in the same area, we both want the absolute best for our ‘backyard’ environment, for our local wildlife to have the best possible habitats, for the only threats and predators to be natural, not man-made, and to do what we can to ensure all aspects of our local natural world thrive going forward.
I have often been surprised by my friend’s innate capacity to care and provide protection for our local wildlife at times of need. Flora and fauna of all kinds have been lovingly nurtured as they have found their own place in the circle of life. Creatures both great and small have been offered a safe space to make their homes, not only to flourish themselves but in many cases allowing their next generations to grow, mature and find their own independence.
Safeguarding close friendships has always been important but this seems to take on increased significance when there is more time to reflect. Whichever way we choose to describe it, life’s tapestry can be made up of so many multiple threads; individual backgrounds, upbringings and experiences add flavours and texture. Indeed, everyone’s own jigsaw-of-life can have so many differently shaped pieces. Favourite companions, places and pastimes serve to piece everyone’s jigsaw together.
I am fortunate to have many favourite things in my life. Spending time in the company of my local river is definitely one of them.
Writing & Images – Carl Hier, Summer 2025
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