“We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person.” ~ William Somerset Maugham
To say I’m a fan of change would probably be an understatement. I pretty much fling myself in the direction of change every chance I get. That’s not to say I don’t know how to live in the moment, though I’m sure I could use some work there. Thankfully, God gave me a husband who embraces change and we make sure to change together.
Despite my, seemingly, never ending evolution, I still have a few cherished, lifelong friends who always make me feel like nothing’s changed at all. One such friend just left this morning after a perfect visit.
Rose and I have been friends since college. Or university if you live in Canada, where she now resides. She was my little sister in my sorority. I’m not sure if it’s surprising that I was in one or not, but we are both Chi Omegas. I will forever love all my sisters, but she and I have always shared a special bond. There’s no doubt in my mind that God put her in my life.
Visits with her have always told me a lot about my life. For example, there was a time when things were not going so well for me. Okay, more than once, but this was questionably the worst. It was after college and I was trying to find myself in NYC but, instead, was doing a pretty good job of losing myself. Without a single ounce of judgement, a visit from Rose changed everything. Her mere presence made me acutely aware of how lost and directionless my life had become.
That’s what good friends do, right?
I mean, my family does that, too. My mom, dad, and sister all have a knack for redirecting my course. Sometimes, however, I’m not interested in familial advice for whatever reason {aka: being a boob trying to “grow up”, break away, or make it on my own} and the only people who can get through aren’t technically related by blood.
I don’t even know if Rose feared for the direction in which my life was heading at that time, but she was the one who broke through. She didn’t try to talk about it, she just accepted, loved, and gently reminded me of who I was at one time. I have another friend, Ashley, whose presence did something similar last year {Thank you!}.
That’s what makes someone a friend. Someone without expectations who loves the person you are (and whom you love back), no matter the direction you seem to be heading. Someone who encourages growth and positive change and doesn’t need to bring the negative to light. We all have enough negativity and responsibilities in our lives, true friends are the ones who constantly do their best to ease those burdens. There’s give and take without bitterness or anger.
I’m so blessed to have such amazing local and long distance friends. I’m truly sorry to those I’ve failed through selfish actions. I know I haven’t always been that friend.
As I look outside and see the acorns falling and sense change on the horizon of our life, it’s such a comfort to know I have such beautiful friends who will remain constant no matter what the future holds. I love you ladies.
Friendship is such a blessing!
Sounds like a great visit! I am glad 🙂 You sound happy!
This is beautiful. Reminds me of my childhood friend who stood by me no matter what. We’re all blessed to have wonderful friends.
Aras Androck recently posted..Nubri.com
Erika, my best friend (for 38 years) died two years ago, and that was a devastating blow. So unexpected, and it still seems like a bad dream. I think of her often, every day. So I know it’s so important to cherish every day and every little thing about your dear friends. I have a couple of very special friends whom I appreciate even more now that I’ve lost one. Every single day is precious.
Oh Lauralynn, I’m so sorry! I can only imagine how hard that was for you. I completely agree; every day is precious.
I lost a friendship last year after a tragedy. She’s still alive, but changed and we are no longer in each others’ lives. The circumstances are somewhat complicated, but she was a friend from childhood and it’s been very hard for me to reconcile the loss of that relationship. I will never take another friendship for granted, or fail to see the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship, either.