“Why did you do all this for me?' he asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.' 'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing.”
“We'll be Friends Forever, won't we, Pooh?' asked Piglet.
Even longer,' Pooh answered.”
“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh?" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's hand. "I just wanted to be sure of you.”
The last several weeks and this last week, specifically, has been a week of surreal moments with friends. The moments have been surreal for a number of reason. One, I've come full circle with a majority of them. Two, there's a connection between a dear and sensitive friend that you just can't disregard. Third, most of them faced huge trials this week. Lastly, you appreciate them, love them, hurt for them, and really become thankful that when it comes down to it, your circle is real and tender and sincere...yet it's hard to get your mind wrapped around it all?
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I love each of these 3 with a fond heart. Each is unique, each special in their own way, each carrying a trait that is special to their being, each giving a soft smile and genuine hug, each facing a difficult journey affecting their mother. One lost her mother a little over a week ago...she's so sad and I patiently wait for her call. She's my newest, she's my Cinderella the smile that caught my heart, she's the mother of 3 kiddos that I am crazy about, cuz they are her, she is brilliant when it comes to The Word! From my longest friend (see below), I get daily phone updates because she's in a neighboring state...today on my way to church she called and said today is the day they expect her to die...heart fell. Then my M...today I am notified that she has a serious infection and back in ICU (Leukemia is fighting her body). My M, she's my "soft and solid and constant." I love when we spend time together because it's just natural, it's our time to savor and appreciate our alone time in conversation, prayer, or just silence. She's a Godly woman and knows she's shielded by God's love.
My friend who may lose her mom today...she's my longest friend. We met on our first day of Kindergarten when we were 5 yrs. old. Our friendship endured amazing gaps and long distances, yet brought back to one another during our high school years...we experienced our proms and high school dances together...our dream was to marrying best friends and live next door with picket fences...even better...no marrying best friends nor picket fences...we have a friendship that has lasted...we laugh, we cry, our kids are best friends and will keep the circle of friendship ongoing. This last year she and I and her mom had the chance to attend a family celebration together and I love both of them...hard to imagine her not here....my heart aches with tears of sadness knowing she may leave this heavenly earth very soon.
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This week, also, two of my longest friends both are struck with trials facing their sons. I spend 2 of my days his week visiting in person with each and also spending many hours on the phone trying to make sense of frightening road that lies ahead for both mothesr, both of my friends. Each circumstance is different from the other, yet so much the same as the other. Both moms will see long term affects of the "life circumstance" that was handed to each son. Both sons I got to visit hours after being born. I had the honor of seeing each of my amigas go through pregnancy! I have known these boys like nephews. Each of these moms, I met almost 30 years ago to date. We were all in one another' weddings...I have history with these beautiful ladies! One I talk to almost every day. The other, we can go w/o months of talking but when that phone connects to our ears or we see one another, there is NO gap. Each is just as strong as the other. They know God. They know this is a circumstance of life and both know they just need to take one day at a time. I'm thankful that they weep. I'm thankful that they acknowledge God through all of us. I'm thankful for their honesty. I'm thankful that they understand the term "family" and know their priorities. Through my trials both have always been there for me...these two define the bond of mutual affection.
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Life is grand. Life is full of unexpected journeys. Life is a journey. What a privilege to know that God exists in my life and that I have hope. What an honor that God blessed me with these amazing women who have impacted and affected my life in special ways. The hurt and pain is normal...I'm thankful that I hurt alongside them...it's one of those things that define a true friend. I love these ladies...so I continue to pray...
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