Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Another Holiday Story: Three Friends

1. I spent today with a very special friend. For months on end she patiently held me up at my lowest, reminding me of facts, massaging and protecting my self esteem, and always she inspires and excites me with her art and talent and all around generosity. We live 100 miles apart but it is sheer pleasure to celebrate the holidays together, to catch up, break bread (well, more like salads and shared risotto), delight in our gifts to one another, talk, laugh, hug. This is one special friend; indeed, a best friend among friends, in every way that counts, and it always does.
(Ah, Lo ♥)
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2. She's exhausted, and yet she went out of her way last weekend to hand deliver to me two winter coats, two pairs of jeans, two jerseys, and ample warm socks. She bought them for a seven year old boy and his five year old brother. On her own she shopped for what she thought would be most helpful and she brought them to me so I could bring them to their father before Christmas. She is everything anyone would want in a friend: warm, steady, honest, kind, genuine, brave. She has had one hell of a year and yet her smile lights up a room. I am so glad she is in my life and I in hers. (Ah, Mim ♥)
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3. I arrived home tonight to find a package from the mail man, inside was another package wrapped in an antique handkerchief. The note said this was a token of friendship given to me because I would appreciate this wonderful gift where no others would. I unwrapped the handkerchief to find a tiny book, maybe 3 inches by 5 inches, a book of poetry by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The tiny book has a publication date of 1881. It is so precious and priceless it took my breath away. I did not expect this gift from a friend so far away, who at the very least I follow with my heart and blessings and I think she does that for me too. I will cherish her gift to me always. TSUP!
(Ah, Sonia ♥)
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Again this holiday season I am aware of who is no longer here and sometimes I feel very sad about that. Sometimes I wish I could change the past. But living in the present is where I am and where I should be and the truth is I am surrounded by the most loyal and wonderful and loving friends. Today I am especially aware of how grateful I am, how lucky I am. Thank you.
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"If you have only one prayer in life,
let it be THANK YOU"
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love
kj

10 comments:

  1. Wise and heartfelt words. You are blessed many times over....and you know what....I am too!

    What a day you had.....what friends you have.....and I am proud to be counted among them!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  2. What beautiful holiday stories, they are my favorite kind, true stories. dear lo and mim and sonia, you are so lovely.

    and i love your always grateful heart kj. love you.

    lori

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  3. Oh KJ you are the sweetest woman. I feel for Mim and Lo is lucky to have you close and able to play with you when the whim strikes. I hate that we're so far away from each other. Have a wonderful Christmas, I know you will because despite being a big emotional softie, you are a wonderful person. Love you to bits. (and you know I don't say that lightly) Hells.

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  4. i love that - "an emotional softie" ....yeah. Glad the clothes worked out and glad we got to chat on the phone!

    I sure would have loved to meet up with you and Lo but maybe after the new year OK?

    love....

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  5. Ah well, from one softie to another. Happy holidays KJ to you JB and all of your family. Big huge hug. xx Jos

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  6. many blessings to you KJ. How blessed you are to have so many lovely friends who love you and care about you. May the holiday be bright and filled with laughter.ques

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  7. ah kj ;)

    Yesterday was perfect. We couldn't have planned it any better if we tried. Thank you for making the long drive.

    That Mim. With the year she's had (and it isn't over yet) she still finds time to put so many others before her own needs. To me, she's amazing grace.

    Wow, EBB book of poetry!! Now that's a gift to be savored and treasured. How very sweet and thoughtful of Sonia.

    People (myself included) just love you KJ, plain and simple!
    Your huge heart circles the globe.

    And hey, if I haven't said it enough already...


    I LOVE MY LAVA LAMP!!!!!!!!!!!

    ;)


    xoxoxo
    Love you,
    Lo♥

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  8. Ah kj! What wonderful friends you have you certainly deserve! Merry Christmas to you and yours! x

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  9. Sweet Kj,you are blessed indeed and I am thankful as well,thankful that our paths have crossed and that your sweet words ring like bells inside my heart.

    It has been quite some time since I felt this kind of love you speak of for any friend.My past has left a bitter taste inside my heart and I can honestly say that I have moved away from the hurt,but I have not stretched out my hand and opened up my heart to any new friends for fear of falling,heart first into dissapointed darkness.I read your words today and I am inspired by your open heart and transparent love and wish this kind of friendship to come marching into my life....and thanks to you,I will be open to it.

    Thank you.Biggest Hugs,Cat

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