Arild Nygard

I once thought I had a friend and found out that it might not be so.

Have you ever wondered were friendships are going. Did you ever think about friends you had in school and what ever happened to them? Maybe they are dead or have moved far away like I did. I was borne in Norway and all my childhood friends are or was there as far as I know. What ever happened to them? I’m talking about a small Norwegian town called Sandefjord; about 1.5 hours drive southwest from the capitol of Oslo. Growing up in this small town in Norway was a very comfortable life as a child. All you needed for you well being and fun was easily within reach for a young boy on his bike. I could go swimming in the sea during the summer. I could go fishing in the lakes. I could go horseback riding and hiking anytime after school. During the winter there was always lots of skiing available just around the corner. I used to go on my skis to school during the winter months. So where did my friends go? When I was there for a visit last winter during the Holidays I had the opportunity to visit one of them. After 20 some years since last time we met I could not recognize him at all. If we had met on the street I would have walked right by without a clue who it was for sure. This time I was lucky as my brother was present and could introduce me again. What a surprise it was. The skinny long haired boy I remembered was long gone and in place was a adult man with a pot belly and nearly bold, smoking cigars and enjoying life working on his hobby that had become his full time work. Fixing old cars. The man had become a crafts man and had gained a reputation for his excellent work. It goes to show that life deals us card that we have to make do with the best we can. He did very well in his choice and really enjoyed his life as a family man with solid work to go to every day. He had his own shop after all so being the boss made for a flexible lifestyle.