A Friend Closer Than a Sister
I’ve been thinking about friendship a lot lately. There’s nothing quite like a worldwide pandemic to cause us to re-evaluate our relationships and how we connect with others.
Like most people, I have lots of “friends” but only a handful of “real friends”. There are many people we share a genuine connection with whom we would call friends, but most of us have just a few confidantes, trusted allies and friends who last the test of time.
The photos in the title for this post are precious memories with my best friend, Penne. We have known each other for almost 25 years. During that time, Penne has walked with me through some of the darkest times in my life – and I her. We have lived, laughed and cried together. With her I can be outrageously silly, sullen or grumpy, frumpy or fancy, and completely honest. We have celebrated milestones and many seasons of life with each other. And for the past 17 years we have lived almost 8,000 miles apart. Despite that physical distance, she has remained my truest friend. I will be the first to say that the credit is all hers. Penne is kind, funny, smart, extremely talented, generous to a fault, but most of all, she is loyal. There is no-one I would rather have in my corner than, Penne.
“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother” (OR sister)”
Penne exemplifies what it is to be “a real friend” who sticks closer than a sister. (I love you, Penne!)
Memories
One of Penne’s precious visits to San Francisco
I don’t pretend to be a great friend – but I do claim excellent role models in my parents. I would go so far as to say my mother is an outstanding friend, and I am proud to say that she is one of my very closest friends. Mum has very close relationships which go all the way back to childhood (and she is now in her mid-70s). Anyone will tell you what a great friend she is. Mum puts effort into her relationships. She writes letters, sends cards, bakes cakes, makes phone calls, and prioritizes visits when in town for a short while. Mum and Dad have always invited people into their home for meals, and now invite folks to stay a while since they have retired to a seaside community. They are there for people during crises, support them with prayer, and offer practical help when needed.
Mum & Friend
I’m proud to say my Mum is also one of my closest friends. Love you, Mum!
It wasn’t until adulthood that I fully accepted how different personalities play a pivotal role in how we outwork our friendships. I am wired much more like my Dad. My emotional tank doesn’t need a lot to keep it filled and I am happiest spending time with my friend-for-life (aka my hubby, Doug). Whilst I love spending time with people, and make acquaintances easily and quickly, the relationships I invest in most are family and a select few friends. And I have realized that is okay. God doesn’t expect me to express friendship in the same my Mum does. He does, however, expect me to love and be a good friend to the people He places in my life.
So today I celebrate friendship and the people who call me friend. If you are one of them, thank you. I love you and appreciate you and am so glad you are in my life.
