A Wonderful Response

My friend sent a wonderful response in a short note.  Since then, we've chatted briefly over the last week.  I'm delighted that my invitation has been received so warmly.  After so many years of distance for no good reason, I'm re-establishing a friendship that should never have faltered.

We have so few opportunities to really connect in our busy, modern world.  Even when we do, we neglect our true friendships too readily, too easily.  We pass a moment with so many people, but we don't delve below the surface.  We have snatches at surface level interactions.  Our time is spent before screens, in a mild state of hypnosis, trying to occupy all our time.  Without meaning to loose our grasp, we let go of the relationships that give our lives the most meaning.

As for me, I decide to change.  I'm listening.  I'm conversing.  I'm making an impact, an impression.  I'm adding real meaning to the connections with others that I have.  Won't you join me with your own connections and interactions?

Waiting on a Friend

I've written an old friend, in hopes of re-establishing a friendship.  I've realized lately how valuable old friends are.  A friend of my mother's has just lost a dear friend from childhood.  Reading her words on the value of these friendships over decades has opened my eyes on what I need to do.  While I have a handful of friends of that long duration, I've not focused on them much in the last two years.  Granted, I've been caring for three young children, two with permanent serious disabilities.  All the more reason for me to understand what really matters and what doesn't.  Keeping up with latest clothing fashions? I haven't missed much in the last two years.  Not keeping up with old friends?  I've shortchanged myself.

I hope to hear from my friend at all.  I hope to hear a positive response instead of a rejection, and a preference to maintain the distance.  I am prepared for both options.  Ideally, I'd love to have a companion for hiking, or swimming laps at the natatorium or just coffee.  While my solitary respite was necessary at first, it has now become merely lonely.  A friend is the perfect remedy.

After a long absence due to caring for our youngest child, I realize how much I miss writing.  It has been a difficult time.  Waiting for a child to heal his heart is a bit like women who waited for their husbands to return from campaign.  There's no time for ordinary pursuits when one must take upon oneself herculean tasks.  Survival and hope that the loved one survives too is paramount.

On a lighter note, my vines are thriving.  I hope to take a photo and upload it soon.  I harvested my first grapes this fall.  I'll be expanding my vineyard next spring.  Hope is a wonderful fertilizer.