Summary

Bernie Pullen reconnects with a childhood friend, Carl, after nearly 30 years when she answers an unexpected international call, leading to a renewed friendship that lifts her spirits during a challenging time.

Abstract

Bernie Pullen, the author, recounts her habit of ignoring calls from unknown numbers but shares a poignant experience where she decides to answer one such call. The call is from Carl, a childhood friend she hasn't spoken to in three decades. Carl, now a psychotherapist living in Australia, reconnects with Bernie, who resides in the UK. The serendipitous call comes at a moment when Bernie is feeling disconnected and low after a difficult day at work. The rekindling of their friendship brings her joy and a sense of connection, reminding her of the special bond that old friendships hold. Bernie reflects on the mysterious ways of the universe that facilitated this reunion and draws parallels to a similar story by Natalie about rekindling friendships. She also shares a poem by Mick Gibson that touches on the theme of friendship.

Opinions

Bernie expresses skepticism about answering calls from unknown numbers, usually expecting sales pitches or scams.
She values the importance of staying connected with others, especially through challenging times.
Bernie believes in the significance of childhood friendships and the unique connection they provide.
The unexpected call from Carl is seen as a fortuitous event that positively impacted Bernie's emotional state.
Bernie views the reconnection with Carl as a reminder of the interconnectedness of people's lives, despite distances and time apart.
She appreciates the role of serendipity in bringing old friends back into her life, considering it a gift from the universe.
Bernie acknowledges the small world phenomenon, as Carl found her details through a family connection she was unaware of.
She endorses the idea that friendships can be reignited and hold a special place in one's life, as highlighted by the stories she references.

FRIENDSHIPS| CONNECTIONS

I Never Answer Calls From Unknown Numbers

But Something Told Me to Answer, I’m So Glad I Did

Random Phone call — Created in Canva Pro by author

Are you like me? Unknown number. Reject.

That is usually what I do.

If it’s important, then they will leave a message.

If not, then they were probably calling to tell me of the latest offer I could get on my broadband or an insurance deal that I ought to take out cause you never know what will happen. Like whatever.

I had a particularly tough day at work and had come home feeling deflated.

Flat. Lack of energy. And the thought of repeating this routine the next day was definitely not a joyous one.

When I feel unconnected like this, one way that helps me snap out of it is to walk.

So, I put on my trainers, grabbed my headphones and headed outdoors for some communing with nature.

It was also time to reflect on why I wasn’t feeling connected.

Don’t Call Me From An Unknown Number, Unless You Know Me.

Within moments of starting my walk, my phone began to ring.

It was a number I did not know.

It wasn’t withheld. I could see that it was a number from abroad, but I didn’t know which country it was from.

I dithered for a moment as I have lots of family members who live abroad. I mostly have their numbers saved in my phone, but it could have been any one of them has changed their number.

I decided to answer the call, figuring I could hang up if I heard the opening of, “How are you today madam” as they always start when calling from those scam centres.

“Bernie, I’m so glad to hear your voice again”, the caller said, “It’s me *Carl” (name changed to protect the innocent)

It took me several moments to realise who Carl was.

I had not heard from him for almost 30 years.

We went to primary school together.

We would see each other in church.

We had attended holy communion classes together.

He then went off to become a priest.

I fell out with organised religion.

We had this easy-going relationship, but never deep, more like brother and sister. We were never romantically inclined either.

He would have been my male bestie.

We had both promised to keep in touch.

But we never did.

I got married and became a parent and life moved on.

I never heard from him again.

I did often wonder what had happened to him.

I did look for him on Facebook but never found him.

I moved so many times over the years and changed my name, so he would never have found me.

So, to hear his voice again, felt like I had been transported back to childhood.

We connected like old friends fitting back together again.

We couldn’t live further apart; he is in Australia and I am in the UK.

He told me his calling had not worked out, he became a psychotherapist instead.

We promised to keep in contact.

I hope that we will.

Isn’t it strange how the universe sent this connection at a time when I needed to get lifted again?

This reminded me of a story by Natalie and how she re-ignited with a friend, there’s something so special about those old friendship connections.

A Re-ignited Friendship that Beat the Odds of Time and the Infant Stage of the Internet

Sometimes you meet a closed door and sometimes it’s an embrace — would you have done the same?

medium.com

And if you are wondering how he found my details, apparently he is cousins with the wife of my cousin. I had no idea. It’s a small world after all.

Staying on the theme of friendships, this poem by Mick Gibson is a reminder to us all.

Can we be friends?

a poem

micklg.medium.com