Fun with Friends

My other friend, Leisa, who I have known since junior high school and who spells her name just like me invited our group down to her family's river place on the Rappahanock.  It was a short drive (under an hour) from my house, and it was a welcome distraction from regular 'stuff'. 

The weather was glorious.  Beautiful sunrises (blazing, blinding!) and the most stupendous moon rise I have seen in ages.  The moon was a large orange ball coming over the eastern sky.  We didn't catch it on Thursday when it was full (Sturgeon Moon), but it was just as impressive Friday and Saturday nights.

Being with old friends, laughing and crying about events in our life was wonderfully restorative. The great thing about old friends is that no matter how long has passed, one just picks back up from where one left it.  There are few things as resilient and joyful friendship.

Read More

Friendship

As part of my non-resolutions, I'm cleaning up, clearing out, and making a non-vow to maintain. I have my handy Brother Ptouch...it is invaluable in labeling folders that allow you to see type v. scribble.

I wrote the following to one of Mark's classmates about friendship.  I write it here to memorialize it so that I can throw away the piece of paper.

Friendships.  We are certainly buoyed in the turbulent sea of life through our friendships.  Few relationships are richer than that of a true friend.  They help us reflect without judging us; make no demands on us; lend an ear to hear our troubles; lend a hand when we stumble or need help; and truly lean in to give us the emotional suport and physical fortitude to meet life's many challenges.  Spouses come and go; our pets die too quickly.  However, it is our friends that remain constant--our bridge to the past--our anchor in the present--and a guaranteed friendly face in the future.  I tell young people that the delight in getting older is that their friendships deepen--and that is truly one of the greatest blessings that can be bestowed upon us.

Read More