Blessed---Again....

(So I wrote this blog several months ago to share how rich and BLESSED my life has been with friends from my childhood as well as friends I have made along the way--some of whom are family as well...friends who now live a distance away..and friends new and old that I have gotten to know long distance, but have never had the joy and privilege of meeting.

On Thursday, I leave for England. Anyone who knows me knows how much I have wanted to see England--since I could hold Beatrix Potter books in my chubby hands. Not only do I get to see England, but I get to meet my friend from 25 years ago--and his family in Germany, new friends in Derby, England, as well as visit with my friend Annette and her family in North Yorkshire, England...and the  cherry on top is--I get to take this trip with one of my favorite troublemakers.  

I thought this trip MIGHT come in the next three years, but thanks to my whacked out 'cousin-friend 'Cheryl, we have been planning the trip for just over three weeks---I am beyond excited and thought it might be a good time to revisit this blog)!!!

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……