The Human Kindness of Long-Lost Friends
I might have already told you this story. But I feel as though it’s so incredibly magical, that I wanted to be sure that I wrote it out to share it on this platform. That way I could make sure that all the details were there, it could be preserved for a long time, and to also include some special photos to go along with it. This story is one that completely bit me by the travel bug- not just due to the magic I found in exploring a new place, but also the extra special people that might be found within in them. So, come along on the adventure and discovery with me.
For a while I had been interested in pursuing a master’s in nursing program with a focus in Nurse midwifery and Family Nurse Practitioner studies. Upon attending an informational session for that specific program, they recommended prospective students pursue becoming a Doula. Though Doulas don’t necessarily administer healthcare to pregnant mothers, they gain so much perspective and information through the childbearing process- skills that are helpful for anyone interested in being a Nurse midwife. A quick rundown of the purpose of Doulas is to focus on aiding the mother and father through and after childbirth by providing her resources, education, physical and emotional support, and coping skills while working alongside the certified medical care provider.
Needless to say, I was deeply interested in this program. So as soon as I left that session, I looked to pursue the next steps that would be involved with becoming a Doula. I even spoke with a close family friend who is a Doula herself, and further encouraged me to pursue this. The next closest, available training was going to be held the few days before school started in the fall, in a place called Columbus, Indiana…somewhere I had never heard of before. Still, I signed up without any preparation, plans or places to stay.
I somewhat put the concern of the details on the back burner for a while, as I was kind of planning on just sleeping in my car for the 4-5 days that I’d be there. But as the time got closer, my parents were urging me to find some more secure accommodations (like any level-headed parents might). Being the broke college student that I am, I started looking for any and every way I could stay in this town that was affordable. This lead me to search on an app called “Couchsurfing”. This is an awesome interface that connects strangers from different places, with one another. From here, local hotspots, random friendship, tips and tricks as well as sleeping accommodations can be shared; truly displaying the kindness of strangers to the traveler. Though it was short notice being a week or so away, I quickly messaged a few people with some slight intimidation of the process, but high hopes. Within minutes, one kind newlywed couple responded by being so willing and excited to host me for several days, and it was set. All was set for me to meet up with them after my first day of classes.
I must admit, though I tried to keep a calm and collected outer appearance, inside I was on high alert, making myself hypersensitive to any red flags that might arise. When I told the other women in my class of my accommodations that night, they too were a bit concerned and extended an offer for me to stay with them if my original plans ended up falling apart- so sweet, but I persisted that all would be fine. That first evening, Angela was unable to make it home in time for dinner, so it was just Dylan and I.
Cautiously I hopped into his truck and we headed to a local hotspot for dinner: Upland. Over our meal, the two of us instantly had a soul connection. The conversation we had consisting of travel, philosophy, life stories, and more was incredible and only made me more excited to meet the other half of this awesome couple. Before heading home, we walked around downtown Columbus and Dylan gave me the rundown/history of the town which was again, literally so cool. Essentially put on the map for its architecture and the engine company called Cummins, this place was bustling with life, history and culture in a small town feel type of way. Upon returning back to their house, I had the pleasure of meeting Angela who, as suspected, was another instant friend for life. With so many similar interests, experiences and perspectives, we related on such a special level that it seemed as though the only reasonable explanation for this is some sort of long-lost friendship from another time in space.
The next few days went over well. The days were spent in my training classes with some incredible women who were so kind and willing to share their passions and experiences of being mothers and aspiring Doulas themselves. They were also so kind to express their interest in getting to know me and my aspirations and life as a younger woman; it was so refreshing to have been invested in in this way. I thoroughly enjoyed learning from and connecting with them. The nights were spent with Dylan and Angela either creating fun dinner combinations at home or socializing with their book club and around town.
The time spent with this sweet couple was so special that on the last night, we made arrangements to keep in contact with one another despite the distance, and at least reunite for Dylan’s birthday…a whole year away. We said some tearful “good-byes” before bed, as I would be gathering my belongings to head home immediately following my class that Saturday morning. This was a moment again that astonished me how easily and quickly, once complete strangers, had become so close and special to me. I couldn’t have been more grateful for the “leap of faith” if you will, that I took in this experience. As it resulted in some of the most rewarding and soul-fulfilling connections that I could have never even expected.
The next morning I would wake up and head to my last class of the session. All was going according to the typical flow and habits that we had established the 3 previous days before, but with a twinge of a somber mood as the end was approaching. Out of the middle of nowhere, a familiar voice had entered the room that was unlike any of the other women of the class. When I looked up, Dylan was poking his head in the room to verify if he had found me in the right place. Though I had told them about the general location of where the class was being held, I had never expected to see them there.
You see, Dylan and Angela were participating in the regular hustle and bustle of the town that Saturday morning and had come across this beautiful watercolor painting of a local monument from Columbus, bought it and spent the time searching for me to give it to me that morning. When the two of them came into the room and displayed this incredible expression of kindness and selfless friendship, the hearts of everyone present were absolutely overflowing with joy. That would truly be the cherry on the top of the entire trip and likely one of the most incredible things someone or a couple has ever done for me.
I share this story for multiple purposes: to encourage that human kindness is real and prevalent; stepping beyond your comfort zone to explore somewhere or something new can be rewarding in ways you never could expect; even if you don’t have a plan, at least just go- trust the process and go with the flow. It can lead you to some incredible opportunities. I found it beautifully ironic to lose myself in the adventure, just to find my truest self-amongst those experiences.
Since then, we’ve been able to reconnect and hold true to our commitment of long-distance friendship. They came to visit and experience the uniqueness of Oxford and absolutely meshed seamlessly with my friends here. The next day, we journeyed to Hocking Hills where we explored the gorge, camped out and made the most delightful campfire dinner and breakfast you could imagine. Again, truly grateful for such a special connection and life-long friendship that I am lucky enough to experience in this short and sometimes turbulent life.
