Friendships

Aren't they great? There was a time in my life, when I was much, much younger, when I didn't really think I needed friends--or at least not more than one or two. It's funny how our ideas about life and relationships change along the path.

Liz--a friend I've known since I first started quilting--is moving to Colorado Springs for her job, and I attended a surprise going away lunch for her today. Most years, we've been in at least one class or club together if not more. Liz is a sweetheart with a great sense of humor, and I'll miss her quite a lot. Luckily, her new condo has a couple of extra bedrooms so her friends can visit her--and I DO hope I'll be one of them!

At the lunch today, I saw several of my friends from the Thimbleberries Club I used to belong to. I decided not to participate this year, but I sure miss seeing them! It was wonderful to get together with the ladies today, although as you may imagine, it was a rather tearfully soggy event, particularly as things started to wind to a close.

This evening, Hubby and I met our friends, Terry and Lisa, and Hubby's sister, Kathy, for dinner, Starbucks, and a movie. Lisa and Kathy have been my closest friends for a long, long time--about 30 years. We've been together through happy and sad times; we've watched each other's kids grow into adults; and we've shared a lot in that time, as close friends do. Kathy and Lisa are the sisters I never had--until they came into my life.

Today, I overheard Hubby talking on the telephone with his mom, and they were talking about my birthday. I heard Hubby say something like, "You know, mom, she got cards and things from women all over the country--and some are people she's never even met!" And you know what? He doesn't even know how many of you left comments, wishing me a happy birthday. I wonder how surprised he'd be to know?

Some months ago--and I can't remember when it was exactly, but it was at least last fall if not before--I mentioned on my blog that I wished I had a group of quilting friends to get together and do things with. And isn't it funny? Now I do! Teaching at Bearpaws and Hollyhocks has brought me closer to some of the other quilters, like Gran and Pam and a few other ladies who don't have blogs. Through teaching, I've also gotten to know the ladies who are now my quilting "students" better AND I've gotten to meet new friends who I wouldn't have met if I hadn't taught a class.

For me, today has been a day to reflect on the friends in my life and how special each and every one is, whether they are my "sisters" I've known for 30 years, my Blogland buddies who I've never met in person, or all the other friends in between. You all enrich my life and make it so much better!

"I count myself in nothing else so happy
As in a soul rememb'ring my good friends."
- William Shakespeare