It’s been said, "If you want to know what a person is like, observe his closest friends"…that the people whom we choose to spend our time with are often the best reflections of ourselves. Considering who my friends are, I'd like to believe it’s true.
“The friends who grew up with you deserve a special respect. The ones who stuck by you, shoulder to shoulder, in a time where nothing was certain, all life lay ahead, and every road led home.” ~The Wonder Years~
~Me, Joan, Julie, and Tammy, at tea in Morris, Illinois~
I have been fortunate in the friend department. If you follow my “Small-town Stories” in Mercantile Gatherings Magazine, you may remember The Flower Hill Gang…the group of neighborhood girls who took me into their fold when I was just eight years old. I’ve been thinking about them a lot lately…how having them in my life brings me as much joy today as it did on moving day.
Realizing how quickly the years have passed, the old gang has recently begun to spend more time together. We've been making new memories by road-tripping to antique shops, estate sales and fancy eateries. During the winter months, we've committed to meeting weekly in our homes to stitch, talk and share a meal. Sometimes we accomplish very little other than the sharing of ideas, the giving of comfort, or bouts of uncontrollable laughter. But we're OK with that, because we're OK with each other. We're not so much concerned with what we do when we're together, just that we are together.
There is something especially comforting about being with people who know you. They know where you come from. You remember each other's old phone number and know each other's Moms. Through years of shared experiences, you know their character, and they know the kind of person you are. Your shared memories have created a bond, a trust. With that bond comes an inexpressible feeling of safety…the luxury of speaking without measuring words, or walking on egg shells.
~A friend loveth at all times. Proverbs 17:17~
On Valentine’s Day I pulled out my prettiest dishes and invited the gang over for luncheon. I wanted to do something nice for them and express my feelings for each of them. We shared valentine cards, pink frosting, and even a few tears.
We are blessed, each of us, to have found that rare thing, a constant friend...a faithful friend to buoy us up in times of adversity and rejoice with us at our success. The love of a true friend is seamless, boundless and eternal.
"It takes a long time to grow an old friend." ~John Leonard~
~Beautiful Julie, of Flower Hill, shows off her valentine box~
“We will be friends until forever, just you wait and see.” - Winnie the Pooh
I hope you are blessed with friends such as these. Why not set a pretty table and invite them over to tell them how much you love them? What are you waiting for...time is fleeting.
Until next time,
Rhonda
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