"When I write stories I am like someone who is in her own country, walking along streets that she has known since she was a child, between walls and trees that are hers." --Natalia Ginsburg

Thursday 29 March 2012

Blessed......





Never shall I forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours."
~ Ludwig van Beethoven

Blessed….
My earliest friendships would have to be with my sister Donna, and our two cousins, Cheryl and Carol. If Donna and I weren't with them, we were with our neighbors’ daughters Krista and Shelly. These are the friends with whom I played hide-and-seek , picked wild strawberries, swam in the brooks , caught fireflies, talked first crushes and generally got into trouble with—don’t even get me started.
Blessed…..
I have friends from my teenage years who suffered through the agony—mine and theirs—of my crushes on their brothers—they know who they are—I’d like to think their brothers don’t, but since I have always worn my heart on my sleeve and developed a serious stutter, I’m guessing they knew.
Blessed……
My friends Simon and Annette live in England. When I could not travel to their wedding I was still her maid of honor--in absentee. She and her husband honored me, and sent me a gift and a bouquet of flowers like I would have carried at their wedding. During the time of the ceremony I went to a quiet spot looking out over Belleisle Bay and asked God to bless their day and Marriage. I look forward to the day I travel to England to see Annette again and meet for the first time ,my friend Simon and their son, my godson, Harry.
Blessed….
I had a friend call me today from British Columbia. We have had so many good times together, road trips, slept out under the stars in her backyard. We have laughed together—and cried together. We have disagreed occasionally, about her nagging ,(advising), me about my driving. Now we live thousands of miles and four hours apart. Today she called and I listened to her heart breaking. I wish I was closer.
Blessed…
To have new friendships, one with a Mom I work for, and one with a Mom I hope to work for.
Blessed…..
To reconnect with a friend from twenty five years ago, and touched to know I had not been forgotten and that we still thought of each other occasionally.
Blessed, Blessed, Blessed….
The list goes on and on and on…..Friendship does not depend on being in each other’s presence, although it is especially satisfying when your elbows are on the same table. Friendships new and old are the echoes of respect and affection, and memories shared--and the longing to know and be known, whether you are a constant in each others lives,  an ocean apart—or haven’t met yet.
Be Blessed……

20 comments:

  1. love your way with words...a gifted girl, I,d say....

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  2. Love it. Brought a tear to my eye. Nice Birthday present! Thank you.
    Annette xxxx

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    1. Thank-you. So blessed to know you, Always xx

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  3. lol, hard to make much of a comment! I'd give it all away! One of my favorite memories is raking blueberries, (not the raking mind you) but the circle of girls having a chitchat, I don't think Ed appreciated those times as much as we did!

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    1. Lisa!!! Yes, and sitting on the pails talking was so much more fun than filling them with berries--sigh--setting an example as the Boss' daughter was stressful--calling you now to see if I guessed right! (Who was more tortured with my crush on Jeff, me you, or him???

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  4. I too am blessed to have such a great cousin, friend and sidekick.......love ya!

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  5. Hi FRIEND that is BEAUTIFUL.....you have always had that special gift keep it up.....I for one will NEVER forget those years and all the FUN we had.....Take Care,will be looking for more......HUGS!!!!!! Krista.

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    1. Thanks Krista, one of my favorite stories to tell is the night we played hide and seek---and the CAT found you-hahaha! Hugs to you!

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  6. What a wonderful read after a long day. You truly are gifted, and have a wonderful way with word. I am blessed to have met you :)

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    1. Thanks Mary, I too feel blessed to have met you and look forward to a new friendship!

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  7. You deserves to have many blessed friendships !

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  8. I am glad we are now friends....sorry I pulled you leg a little. Think we will have a long friendship...and you never know I may be over visiting Cheryl later in the year. Promised I would go to her church when over

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    1. Thanks Graham--and who knows which side of the pond we will meet up on. As far as the joke goes--you did the family name proud...the things OUR cousin has pulled on me.....

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  9. Your writing is such an inspiration to me Dianne...thanks

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  10. I just found your blog Dianne, Jane was telling me about it! You need to get a book published you're an amazing writer! :)

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    1. Thank you Makayla! I am not sure it is book worthy, but thanks for your vote!I am glad you enjoyed it!

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