Sunday, June 30, 2013

Cherished Friendships ~



This last Friday I spent the day and night with a High School 
friend I had not seen in 39 years.   

Mary (Beth) on the left, myself on the right.
The photo was taken in our sewing class, we were looking through a pattern book :-)
Needless to say there was a lot of ground to cover when we reunited.

When I pulled up to the condo (on the beach), she hopped in the car to guide me to 
the underground parking.  My first words to her were,
 " so I'm thinking, if neither of us wear our glasses, we'll still look the same".  
Once in the condo "our stories" began.

I was aware, prior to our reuniting that her brother and best friend Dennis had died suddenly just seven months prior. 
There was so much about the last 39 years to hear.

Some was very hard to share...
What I didn't know is, she had witnessed the motorcycle accident of a dear friend.
What I didn't know is, for many years she has been caring for their Mom who has Alzheimer's.
What I didn't know was, 48 hours prior to receiving the news of her brother's passing,
she had lost the love of her life, her boyfriend of 10 years, just as suddenly.

It broke my heart when she felt she should be able to speak of this with out tears,
 that she felt she should be further along in this process of loss.

I, was keenly aware instantly of why God has brought us together.
 This reunion was not by chance, and I told her so.  
I knew of this place she is currently in, she is still in that place known as surreal.
She seemed surprised, relieved that I knew the word to describe her last 7 months.
Our situations different in many ways, with me it was  the loss of my Father and Mother.
What wasn't different was entering that place known as surreal.

My heart broke for her loss, for the emotion she still carried that needed to be released.
I assured her, she was expecting way to much to think that in 7 short months she would 
be able to make it through a day without tears of grief.

I tried to assure her, it's different for everyone.  I shared that for me after the loss of my Dad, that place known as surreal was my address for 2 years.
 I was a mess, and it had to be okay.  
It was the time required for me to grieve properly. 
It needed to be done prior to resuming my life,
a changed life, but it did resume.

We did have a such a special time.  We went through our high school yearbook, which of course spurred many memories, to say the least.  
Our evening ended at 3:00 A.M., and even then,
there was so much to say. 
 We had breakfast that morning and enjoyed some more conversation of days past.
 We then hugged goodbye, promised we'd do it again and we each headed for home. 
Each in a little different place than where we were when our visit started.

I'm so looking forward to seeing her again,
 to being a part of each others lives, 
again.

~

Prior to my time on the beach, I was informed a childhood friend who actually lived across the street from me has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
  Debbie is 55 years old and is very strong in her faith.

Upon my return home, a high school friend sent me a message and shared with me that his Mother Emma has been diagnosed with multi melanoma.

This morning I couldn't help but wake up feeling fortunate and blessed.
I'm experiencing the good that follows the bad.  
Because of my experience with loss, worry and fear, God is using me to comfort others. 
 I know of what they speak.
I've been to that place known as surreal.
 I know that we do come back from it.

I'm asking each of you to pray for my grieving friend Mary,
to pray for my sweet friend Debbie and her family,
to pray for my friend Dave, his Mother Emma and their entire family.
Pray that God will use me in a big way to love each of them
 through whatever lie ahead. 
Hoping to be a comfort, is what echos from my heart today.

7 comments:

  1. Hi Debi,

    Your post sounds like what I've lived like the past week. So many joys put a few sorrows too.

    I'm gonna mention your blog post on my post this afternoon.

    God bless you my friend and those that you touch.

    Viola

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  2. You know, I think that being able to comfort others when they need it is really a gift. For the opportunity and the ability to say the right things at the right time. Sounds like you have that gift. :)

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  3. Debi
    It sounds like God is already using you.
    I will pray for your request and that the
    Lord will open the doors for you to help
    and be a witness with comfort.

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  4. You and your blog provide comfort to my life and I know you offer comfort to many in your journey of life. I can't help but think of how blessed your friend was to have spent that special time with you.

    Your prayer requests remind me of the huge hurts so many face in daily life.

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  5. I believe that when we touch others in their time of grief, Debi, it helps not only them but us as well in our own healing process. You're such a loving person, and I'm glad to know you. Prayers for your friends.
    xoxo

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  6. Oh, this brought tears to my eyes. Isn't it amazing how when God brings us through trials and valleys that He often gives us opportunities to minister to others going through similiar things. I'm sure He has many more opportunities awaiting you.

    So glad for your special time with your special friend. What a blessing!

    Happy 4th of July week!

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  7. I just lost my dad after Easter, one week to the day, this year, April 7th...and it has left a huge void in my life. My mom passed away 23 years ago at the age of only just 62... dad was 85. Grief knows no times or barriers and we each process through it of our own accord. You are a remarkable friend to be able to show the compassion to one in need and yet still grieving yourself. God brings people together for reasons yet unknown to us.. I believe I visited you today because of him. I have a poetry blog inspired by God. It dabbles in my life as well, and all the trials and tribulations of life as I know it. My journey continues and I hope you will stop by now and then and bless me with your friendship.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Valrie

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