The Strength of Friendship

I’m not sure how to react to all the coverage about the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last week. So many sad stories, so much loss, so many brave people. And, of course, I have a level of fascination with how the world works. The physics is fascinating and scary.

While there are lots of amazing stories – the one about the dog stoically guarding another pup moved me to tears. Perhaps because I’ve adopted a dog who was injured in Hurricane Katrina. I imagine my pup – hurt and alone and frightened and tired. I feel so grateful that she is safe and sound and that our family has been able to give her a good home.

Of course the steadfastness of one dog to the other  also recalls many dear friends who have stood by me through silliness and sadness. I treasure the childhood memories with one friend in particular – birthday cards through high school and our early adult years always marveled at the number of years we had been friends. ” Wow – I can’t believe we’ve known each other for 13 years. . .” Thankfully as we’ve . . . well shall we say “matured. . . we’ve stopped mentioning the number of years.

Despite my moving 300+ miles away, she included me in her wedding party. And sadly it seemed not too long after that, I got the call that one of my fellow bridesmaids had been killed in an accident. On a winter day I packed up my car and headed home, picking up my friend’s younger sister from her college dorm. Younger sister (who had also been a bridesmaid) and I got to chat on the ride home. It had never struck me – but younger sister observed that despite the years, the miles, the life changes. . . her sister and I always seemed to be able to pick up right where we left off. I had never stepped back and looked at it that way. Wow – what a blessing.

And that’s just one story of one of the amazing women who have influenced my life. Women who have graciously shared with me, women who have celebrated with me, women who have helped me pick up the pieces and women who have protectively guarded me when I was hurt and down.

I think I’ll need to spend some time celebrating each of those wonderful memories.