Do you have a friend that you see very rarely but when you get together you pick up right where you left off? These kind of friendships are crazy! I have one friend like that -- we met when we were about 14 and chatted on & off during high school but didn't really socialize together. Our lives intersected more for a few years and we became closer. When were were together we always talked non-stop and laughed incessantly. Well this wonderful friend moved off to England when we were in our early 20's and had the nerve to stay there! That is over 40 years ago and we have always stayed in touch. I am going to guess we have seen each other maybe a dozen times in those years but when we do it's like we just saw each other yesterday. We are instantly huddled together laughing like we are 14 years old again! We have both married (one of us more than once:) ) and have adult children so can easily commiserate about the joys and challenges of those relationships!
I have been thinking a lot about gratitude lately. One of the things I am most grateful for is the wonderful supportive friends that I have. I have mentioned that my big beautiful family has had more than our share of challenges in the past year, and the universe just keeps piling it on. That's life isn't it? And these are the times when you need your friends most.
It's not the number of friends we have; it's the quality. One of my most wonderful, kind friends has put up with me for over 50 years now. We have been through so much joy, and of course so much sadness together (because that is life). She is part of so many memories. I think we were each others' faves back when we had teenage boys and were total a**holes. It felt like everyone else had teens who were on the honour role, excelled at everything they tried and never ever got into trouble. At least that how it was portrayed. It was so wonderful to commiserate with another mom that dreaded seeing the high school come up on call display. You know who you are my friend ❤️.
So many other dear friends I have made through running. When you are training for a marathon and doing 3 1/2 hour runs together you really get to know someone! We now travel together, walk together, eat meals together, share laughter and tears, but most importantly never judge each other or our families. You also know who you are! So many miles covered and so many memories❤️.
Then there are my Book Club friends. We started our book club 20 years ago when several of us had 14 year old boys on the same hockey team. Members have left and new book lovers have joined us (new friends at this stage of life!). Of course we share a love of books and reading but each and every one of us has had challenging times over the years. Book discussion often takes a back burner when someone has a child in crisis or even better, when there are happy updates on those crises.
A couple of my most important friends were the ones across the street or around the corner when we had many little ones between us! I don't know how we would have survived those long lonely days without another mom who also has a teething baby or terrible two year old. Again, so many wonderful memories -- it's easy to laugh about those difficult yet joyful times 30 years later isn't it? Oh - I must mention my siblings -- those sisters and that brother -- well we actually like each other, have fun together and like all the other 'friends' are always there for one another! That is truly a gift.
There are so many benefits to having a few good friends, including better health and self-esteem. Check out this link to read more on this. Life can get very busy and it's easy to lose touch with people. It is however so worthwhile to reach out and keep that connection strong, because where would we be without them.
Please take a moment to think about your most treasured friends. Perhaps give them a call and tell them how valuable they are to you - maybe take a little trip together down memory lane? Where did you meet your closest friend and what has kept the connection over the years?
Let's close this off with one more great quote about friendship:
“Friends are people who know you really well and like you anyway.” —Greg Tamblyn
warmly, Pat xo