Friendship is born at that moment
when one person says to another,
"What! You too? I thought I was the only one."
~ C.S. Lewis
This blog title is a sentiment on a tea towel of my sweet mother-in-law's, that hangs to the right of her kitchen sink. It was given to her by her long-time best friend, and every time I see it, I smile.
Since I'm "disconnecting" from the blogosphere this week, I really can't write this post the way I'd like to (that time thing that keeps dogging me and so many others). Willowtree is hosting the next Fun Monday, and this is what he asked of participants:
"Tell us about your best friend. Particularly things like: where you first met, how long you've been friends and why you think you are best friends"
There are a few friends who mark eras of my life, and I could write volumes on how each one has affected and influenced me...sometimes good, sometimes bad...and sometimes even ugly (and visa versa), but I cannot imagine my life apart from them and our shared memories.
Kimberly was my first best friend (from second grade on...), and she was the one who encouraged me to see the moments of beauty during my father's illness...
Mandy came along in sixth grade, and she was the friend who discovered boys with me, who fought over the song "Weekend in New England" as OUR song, who, although she has lived in California forEVAH now, still encouraged me the most when my dad passed away.
Cassie and I bonded shortly after pledging our college sorority...we both hated the one we chose (initially). She can out-talk me and she taught me to drink beer. Interestingly, she has one of the most beautiful, real faiths I've ever witness...she's Jesus with skin on to many. She lives near Kiawah, so every year (at least) we still get to see each other :).
Christi and Frankie are probably the one couple-friend we've had that is perfectly matched to both me and Tad. We all love each other about as evenly as possible. We met them the day after we moved in our SC apartment 18 years ago (yikes!), and our friendship has never wavered. They're the perfect double date--Christi and Tad always like the same things, and Frankie and I don't like the same things :). Our children stair-step each other and play great together; this is the family we travel to Hilton Head with every year over Memorial weekend. They're the steadiest and most thoughtful, most loyal and dependable, g o o d people you could ever meet.
Erin (who I've written about before) happened by accident, almost. We weren't naturally drawn to each other, but circumstance placed us working beside each other and one day we realized we were friends. She has loved me through some difficult times in my life, sometimes because of and sometimes in spite of.
All these friends deserve words of praise beyond these brief thoughts I share now; I'm forever thankful they're all still a part of my life...in spite of the distance that separates us. Nothing can separate the kindred hearts we've shared, though, and I'm thankful our stories continue to be written.
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Stick with this video...it's a beautiful thought on friendship...the forever kind :).
Have a great week, y'all....I'll see you soon....:).