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