February 22, 2013

The kind of friend I try to be


http://www.etsy.com/listing/77280001/inspirational-art-friendship-is-a

This evening after work, I had the unexpected and distinct pleasure to sit and catch up a bit with a lovely lady I happen to think the world of.  We sat together at her house, and because it was unexpected, there was no way for her to even think about preparing for a visitor.  She warmly invited me in anyway, saying her house was a mess (we all tend to be too hard on ourselves, don't we?) but that was okay because I was one of the few people she wasn't worried about seeing it that way.

I was happy because that is precisely the kind of friend I try to be.

Years ago, a friend and her young child were at my house.  Something insignificant-to-adults but not-necessarily-so-insignificant-to-young-children occurred, and the child starting really throwing a fit.  The friend was surprised by the behavior (as the child was past the typical tantrum stage), knelt down to talk to him, and said "if this happened in front of anyone but T, I would be mortified".

I was happy because that is precisely the kind of friend I try to be.

When my husband and I were in the early stage of our relationship, he would get really annoyed with how I talked about my friends.  He couldn't understand why I always acted like they were so amazing and could do no wrong.  I couldn't understand why he couldn't understand - since it was ridiculously obvious and all.  They WERE so amazing, and even if they DID do wrong (whatever that might mean), they did so beautifully and quite perfectly.  Still are and still do.

Didn't he know that that is precisely the kind of friend I try to be - one who believes her friends are simply amazing and perfectly imperfect?!

A while back now, I was chatting on the telephone with a friend.  I was thanking her for something and mentioned that sometimes I feel badly because I feel like she does so much more for me than I do for her.  She laughed and said she feels the same way about me - that sometimes she feels badly because she feels like I do so much more for her than she does for me.  I was struck by the the exchange and the realization that perhaps that may well be an ideal description of a true friendship. 

I love my girlfriends with all of my heart and I hope they know that.  There are very few things in life as precious as true friendships.  I've been blessed to have some absolutely glorious women enter my life, and each and every day, I am grateful for their simply "being".  I try to be a good friend, to live up to the kind of friend that they deserve, and I will keep on trying.  Each and every day.  

I love you dearly, friends of mine.


8 comments:

  1. Completely agree about the fabulous women in my life! And I don't doubt that you are "that kind" of friend. So happy that we've reconnected.

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    1. Me too, ME TOO!! :))) Someday I'm hoping we might even get to see each other "for real". In the back of my might, I keep thinking it would be so nice to have some sort of girls' weekend for a bunch of us. If we could pull it off, it would be fabulous, I'm sure!

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  2. Such a nice thing to write. It sounds like you must be feeling better which is awesome. That soup you posted a picture of the other day looked really really good except for the chicken feet. I must admit that was a little unappetizing to look at. What is the book that you have been reading on this issue of yours? My mother has struggled with IBS for a while and wonder if this book might help her too. Keep up your posts, I look for them every morning when I read my morning paper, it is just my busiest time at work and I don't have much extra time on my hands. I don't do taxes, but audits are just as bad, just get to me April 30th and I am home free. Hope all is well!

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    1. Thanks Jill. I have been feeling MUCH better - and yes, it is awesome!! I'm getting ready to boil up and prepare another set of chicken feet for this week's batch of broth. LOL

      I got two books that I found repeatedly mentioned on support forums - Restoring Your Digestive Health by Jordan Rubin and Joseph Brasco and Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gottschall. Overall, I like the former better - I find it to be a more interesting read with a lot more all-around information, and it has the broth recipe that I swear has been a miracle. The second book I feel is important to have (for me anyway) because it is actually the foundation on which Rubin built. I like it, also, because it has quite a few recipes (yesterday I made peanut butter cookies with almond flour and honey - yum!). I've kind-of been mix and matching. e.g., RYDH calls for you to use goat's milk for everything, but other than buying some goat's milk cheese that I used to buy anyway and some special goat's milk probiotic beverage, I've still been using the local, cream-top cow's milk for my yogurt, quiche, etc. I know why goat's milk (and sheep's milk) is supposed to be better for your health, but so far I seem to be okay doing what I'm doing.

      I work with someone who has suffered with IBS on and off for many years. She borrowed the books for a couple of days and is now buying them for herself. Take a look at the amazon reviews for RSDH. They're very encouraging!

      Um, April 30th? That's more than 2 months away, you poor thing! I'll be a spectator counting down the weeks with you! :)

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  3. You ARE that kind of friend... I didn't feel one bit bad that there was no surface for you to sit that didn't have junk on it! XOXOXO Sue

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  4. What a GREAT post Teresa! I knew from the moment I met you that you were special! And I'm so glad we did meet! I truly believe things happen for a reason :)
    Kristi

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