"Superbuddy, superbuddy, we are friends. Superbuddy, superbuddy, we'll never come to an end." Superbuddy, written by Lauri Reed and Karen Fernandez, 1972

I remember Karen Fernandez. How could I not? We were glued to each other for first, second, and third grade. We spent hours together, making up plays, sharing Archie comic books, and eating ridiculous contraband candy. We even wrote a song about our friendship, "Superbuddies" and sang it together. We were thick as thieves.

But tonight, I realize I haven't spoken to her in about 30 years.

I have often felt envy of people, including my husband, who are still close to someone from childhood. Not I. I didn't keep in touch with anyone. And, Karen Fernandez? Well, though we were so close as young kids, we had stopped talking many years before.

I have been thinking a lot about this tonight. My daughter, Lilly, is losing her best friend. Though only 7 years old, they adore each other. Audrey and her family are moving to California in a couple of weeks, much to the dismay of my family. I have lost my Camp Fire co-leader. My other daughter has lost an incredibly bright boy who gives her a contest in math, and is actually nice to her! We have lost a family we feel free to call in emergencies, or if we want to hook up at the movies. But I am saddest for Lillypad, who is losing Audrey.

The two of them run around tackling the world together. They make up little skits. They roughhouse and go crazy, just happy to be near each other. And these emotions are hard-fought for Lilly, who doesn't develop friendships as quickly as her big sister. To Lilly, having a "best friend" has been an amazing gift.

When we heard the Benners were moving to California, Lilly was inconsolable. At first she asked if she could visit California frequently, or be flown down for Audrey's birthday party next year. We have been telling her we will help her keep in touch, and encourage her to develop a long-distance buddy.

As I watch the two of them play together in these final weeks, my thoughts often turn to Karen Fernandez. Where is she? What did she end up being? Does she have a family? Did she go to college? I find myself feeling lingering guilt, when I remember the junior high years, and how I started edging away from my old "Superbuddy". She was so shy, wearing glasses, avoiding talking to others. She never laughed, it seemed. She definitely wasn't "cool". So I drifted. At first, it was refusing invitations. Then it was sitting at different tables. Later, I barely acknowledged her in the hallway. Yet here, all of these decades later, I remember passing hours together, writing our songs. What a true friend she was.

I wish I could recapture those years when we drifted apart, and handle them differently. But I can't. Yet I remember vividly how important the friendship was to me at 7. So I turn to my daughter, and vow to help her keep in touch, and remember this friendship, which is indeed a deep one.

Feeling a deep appreciation for the power of young friendship, and a desire to nurture my daughter's friendship, even across the miles, I came to my computer tonight. I Googled Karen Fernandez, who I had not thought of for so many years. I am not sure, but I think she could well be a librarian at Highline Community College. Karen always loved her books.

On the off chance it is her, I think I will send her a note, say hello, and see how life has treated her. After all, friends should make the effort to keep in touch.

Lauri Hennessey has three children and runs her own public relations business You can reach her at Lauri@hennesseypr.com. She will miss Audrey Benner and her family and wishes them well. And, if you know Karen Fernandez, ask her if she is the same girl who loved the Archies, the Banana Splits, and Speed Racer.