It was 17 years ago during a European cruise when my husband and I first met the Arrudas. They were celebrating their honeymoon and we were celebrating our 3^rd anniversary. We experienced 10 days of whirlwind travel alongside them. Walking through romantic Sorrento, exploring the majestic ruins of Pompeii, surviving a rented Jeep through Greek streets, and getting the breath sucked out of us when stepping into the Vatican. What we didn’t realize is we were building a foundation of lifelong friendship!

As the cruise came to a close, we hugged and promised to keep in touch. They returned to Boston. And we returned to Florida.

Over the next decade, life made seeing each other impossible. The Yankees won four World Series (and the Red Sox won as well). Children were born and schedules filled up. Baseball practice and soccer games were made top priority. Over the years, we celebrated each milestone with mailed letters and emails alike.

Fortunately, about a month ago, out of the blue, an email arrived from the Arrudas with “Coming to FL” in the subject line. We had the good fortune to spend the day with our friends and their family. Seeing our children meet for the first time was so special! We spent our time at the incredible Hyatt Clearwater Beach Resort on Florida’s Gulf coast. We reserved a poolside cabana overlooking the water. The children swam and surfed while we laughed, ate, talked about dreams that came true, and shared dreams ahead.

We watched the sunset over Clearwater beach from the Hyatt’s 8^th floor swimming pool deck and talked about seeing sunsets from around the globe. During our time together, we brought out the Europe photo album. The four children bonded, at our expense! The kids laughed hysterically at our outdated hairstyles and clothes, as we reminisced over our amazing ‘90s trip across Europe.

We ended our night with the closing of the sunset and a walk along the beach, overhearing our children chatter about iPhone apps, Sox vs. Yankees, and the lack of gators in the Gulf.

Our day with them rushed by! Full and glowing from reliving memories and new memories created, it was time to bid goodbye. The kids pinkie promised and the adults hugged, promising to come together again, this time sooner than later.

There’s an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We aren’t meant to do this thing called life alone; we are meant to build relationships, enjoy our time, and grow alongside others. Whether business or social, I encourage you to practice this simple lesson wherever life takes you. Remember to laugh, take time to listen, and share memories.

And always promise to stay in touch!