I pray for my kids often. For their safety, for their health, for their courage and their confidence. I pray that they will make good choices and that they will be confident being who they are. I pray that they have dreams and faith and joy in their life. I pray that they will have good marriages and that they will find those things that make them come alive. I pray that they will be kind to and accepting of all people and they they will never lose their compassionate hearts. I pray that fear will never stand in their way.
Honestly, my prayers for Charlie, Chanelle and Meadow run the gamut. But you know the words that cross my lips most often? This one. . .
God, please give them good friends.
Of all the lessons life has taught me. . .this one ranks above the rest: Our friendships matter. When it really comes down to it, I place good friends above success, riches, notoriety, and even above comfort. You see, I understand that success fades, riches are squandered, and comfort ebbs and flows. But if you’ve got the real thing. . . friendship lasts.
Today, I am celebrating the real thing. . .
. . . my friend, Lisa.
I’ve talked about Lisa before. I’ve referred to her as my ‘How Are You, Really? Friend.”and she is as much a part of our family as, well, I am. Every week for over eight years we have commenced in my living room, tucked our legs under our bodies, and did that thing that real friends do: we’ve spilled it.
Seriously, we’ve spilled everything. Everything. The good stuff, that bad stuff, the ugly and the pretty. We’ve talked about life, death, doubts and courage. We have vented, held each other accountable, and said things to each other that have never left the walls of my living room. A lot of changes happen in eight-plus years and Lisa and I. . . we’ve walked the road together.
When my mom died two years ago Chad contacted Lisa immediately . In minutes, Lisa walked in my front door and sat with me in my living room. That’s what she did. . . she sat. Somehow she knew exactly what I needed. I just needed someone to sit. Lisa has sat with me as I’ve cried my ugliest tears and she has listened as I’ve sorted through some tough questions. I still remember Lisa walking into my hospital room just minutes after Meadow was born. I remember her tears that matched my own. . . the tears that rejoiced about our new arrival while simultaneously grieving the absence of my Mom. Just recently she reminded me of the moment I told her I was pregnant with Charlie. . .her response, does Chad know?, says it all. I just might have told her before I told Chad. I just might have. . .
In eight years we have complied a lifetime of memories. But today I just want to take a moment to tip my hat and extend my virtual arms to honor my dear Friend on her birthday.
Lisa, words can not contain the depth of meaning and the value I place on our friendship. From day one your presence in my life has made me better. Thank you for letting me be me. Thank you for encouraging me to spread my wings and supporting me through every life change. I know I would not be here without you. Lisa, thank you for never laying eyes on any of my kids without embracing them with your loving arms. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing yourself with me. Your wisdom, your life, and your experiences. Thank you for laughing with me, crying with me, for getting mad with me and for always walking along side me.
I celebrate you today, Lisa. (Really, I celebrate you everyday.) And Lisa? When I say that prayer for my kids, it is a friendship like the one I share with you that I hope for Charlie, Chanelle and Meadow. Yes, that would make my heart happy.
It’s your birthday and I’m the one with the gift. . . the gift of You.
You are among of my most valued treasures.
Happy Birthday, Lisa.
I love you.
Lisa sounds wonderful. 😉
Happy Birthday to your friend, Lisa! You always speak so kindly of her. She is beautiful too! 🙂 Close friendships like this are gifts from God! Everyone needs a few good CLOSE friends. It keeps us grounded, makes us think, helps us follow our dreams…its a gift!
JoEllen
p.s I love that I can keep up with your blog now — I have a little bit more time on my hands! 😉
I have two friends like your Lisa, one I've known for 43 (?!) years and one I've known for 14 years. The 43-year-old friendship is the type where we'll go for years without talking, but as soon as one of us picks up the phone, we're right back where we were when we last talked. Enduring, that girl is. The other one has seen me through grief, happiness, silliness, births, deaths, all the ups and downs that happen in life. We've watched our kids grow up. Our husbands are good friends and they tease us unmercifully about all the e-mailing we do back and forth (in 2005 my family moved halfway across the country), but we keep in contact as much as we did when we were next door neighbors.
Friendship is a treasure that needs to be shared. Hope your friend had the happiest of days today! : )