Reflections, Who? Friends!

Every person has a unique character that differs from everyone else. Yet we're all influenced by the people around us. Think of your best friends at this point in time. Are there certain tendencies or traits that the two of you share?
The People around us influence our character more than we know. For me it all started back in my childhood.

I'm on the far left, Wendy is just to my right. Her sister Kim, My sister Daylinn
and my brother Collin (I think) complete the picture

My first best friend was a girl named Wendy Doesburg. She was a part of the church I belonged to at the time and from what I can remember, we were inseparable. When I watch old family videos we were always seen together. I remember one time we even had a fake wedding, and eventually she became my first kiss. You know, that first kiss when you were something like four years old that you did because you seen older people doing it which meant that it's okay even though you get cooties.
Anyways, the two of us had the makings for that cliche Hollywood love story where the couple grows up together since birth and eventually that cute fake wedding turns into a real one quite a bit later in life. But no, that wasn't our fate. I think I was about nine when her family moved away, I was devastated, I'd lost my best friend during the pre-facebook era. Suffice to say, it wasn't until facebook came out that we were able to get in touch again.
I don't remember exactly how it was because it was a long time ago and I was young. From what I gather via family videos, photos and the memories that I do have, Wendy and I were two pees in a pod. It's kind of hard not to be influence by someone when you spend so much time together.

(from left to right) Andre Lodder, Ravi Kler, Kris Korol, Noah Koens,
Erik Christenson, Shawn Wagantall, Shawn Simpson and Parm Atwall.
Some of my greatest friends from highschool.

Things moved along in my life. Friends came, went and stayed. It wasn't until high school that I once again was blessed with a really good group of friends. Of course, this was when things changed drastically in my life. It was understandable though, coming from a small private school of 28 kids total and being home schooled for grade seven. It was overwhelming going to a public high school and things were bound to change.
That's when I was accepted into group of friends that I kept for most of my highschool years. Who have shaped the better part of my teen life. Meanwhile, I also had friends from the church, it was almost as if I was living a double life via my friends. (of course it's not as extreme as the whole church friends vs public school friends/Church vs devil)

Shawn Hoskins and myself posing seriously for fun.

Then grade ten hit, it was a sleepy french class and the new guy Shawn Hoskins was sitting in front of me. I don't entirely remember what it was, but I think Shawn was picking on me and my large nose. kind of a weird way to start a friendship but it developed and once again I had a best friend.
Though admittedly we were pretty immature, I developed a lot of tendencies and a lot of character from Shawn. He actually taught me the beginnings of a lot of the social skills I have today. We skipped class together, we did homework together (so it would take half the time). He helped me start to get in touch with my creative side (working on school projects) and my active side (playing ultimate, and rugby if only for one year).

After high school we even moved in together along with another good friend in Elias. But alas, it wasn't meant to be. Our interests started to differentiate, and with that came a move. That's when the time came to move out. Are friendship was all but over. We started to distance ourselves over the years, hanging out less and less.
Meanwhile I started hanging out with a few other friends that I only knew a little of from highschool but have become some of the biggest influencee in my life to date.

After moving out of the old house, I moved in with Drew Nylen and Ryan Haak two of the friends from this new group of friends. The contrast between houses was substantial, I knew this was a good thing. I remained in contact with Shawn but our friendship slowly deteriated although its still great to see him whenever I'm back in Vernon.

My new found group of friends were exactly what I needed. They played sports, read books, and were absolutely hilarious to hang out with. The only T.V. in the house was in Ry's room and we never really used it. Quite a comparison to the house with Shawn and Elias where videogames and movies were a major part of our lives.

Drew Nylen and myself laughing at the beach, one of the frequently
visited locations when we lived together.

When I lived with Drew and Ry, I was in what was quite possibly the best shape of my life, I was more active then I had ever been and I had been introduced to rock climbing, one of my growing passions.

Eventually I again moved out, I went to Hawaii for a month and half and couldn't afford the cost of rent on top of living in Hawaii.
Drew and I still kept in touch as both of us were going through similar trauma (though admittedly his was far greater than mine). When I got back to Canada, Drew and I were already in the midst of planning a larger trip for January and we bonded more than I think I have with anyone else in my life. Drew not only became a big part of my life, he became an inspiration and still remains one.

I've named a number of people who might have had the most influences on me at certain times, but of course I can't forget the people who have been there consistently. Such as my good friend Kris, who along with Drew are probably two of the more important people in my life.

Though there are hundreds of people who come into our lives and may have some influence, the ones we admire the most and usually the ones who influence us the most are the ones we can call our greatest friends. It's with our best friends in life that we decide on who we are. We share experiences with them, we share memories, all of which help shape us into who we are as a person.

Though I may have gained some friends, I have most certainly lost some. Its unfortunate that it happens. To all my fallen friends and also the ones not mentioned here, I hope you know that you've helped shape who I am today, if I'm ever in the area, maybe a coffee or a beer is in order.

Thanks,
Andre