MIDLAND, Texas — Most people have friends from their days in high school that they catch up with from time to time.
However, for two former Midland High Bulldogs, time to time might be a little bit of an understatement.
Joyce Parson and Doris Graham are both residents at Brookdale Senior Living in Midland.
“I love it here," Graham said.
“There’s no reason to be lonesome," Parson added.
For them, age is just a number.
“We had not seen each other you might say in 70 years," Parson said.
“It’d been a while," Graham said while laughing.
Both Midlanders are now 95, and back together thanks to a meal.
“The first day I was here they sat me at the table with her and that’s when I found out -- we knew each other!" Parson exclaimed.
“That’s right, we were amazed that we had gone to school together," Graham said.
“From way back then," Parson added.
The two have fond memories of their time at Midland High School.
“The great excitement in town was when the Bulldogs played Odessa Bronchos," Parson said.
“And that’s the truth," Graham added.
“We always got whooped," Parson said as they both laughed.
From Friday night lights to their teachers in the classroom.
“We loved them, we respected them, we honored them and we were scared not to," Graham said while laughing.
They’ve watched the Tall City grow.
“I love Midland, don’t you?" Graham asked Parson.
"Yes," Parson replied.
Now all these years later, bingo, gospel singing, lunch and bird-watching are just some activities on the docket for these two. And, of course, each other’s company.
“To meet someone that you used to know way back when is the most fun," Graham said.
“Yeah," Parson agreed.
“That’s the most fun," Graham added.
The unexpected joy of a friendship.
“I didn’t see anybody survived as [long] as me from that class," Parson said as they both laughed.
A friendship decades in the making.
“Aren’t we blessed?" Graham asked Parson.
“Oh yes, yes, we’re blessed," Parson replied.