I love my own company, but after awhile I crave a little more stimulating conversation. I have been told that I hum when I am alone, so I must be in touch with my inner self. I can go downtown and stop in just about anywhere and talk to people. I know people from the grocery store, the music store, and even got invited to a wedding reception from a lady who hands out samples at Sam's Club! I don't just know their names, I know all about their families, their likes and dislikes, and some pretty deep feelings. I can carry on a conversation with just about anybody and do so on a regular basis. I suppose that some might find me nosy, but others appreciate my friendliness and open up about all kinds of things in their lives, (some I'd rather not know about):D I would not have it any other way and only wish I had more time to connect more. Yeah, I also wish I were thinner and younger, but I like that I can be friends with just about anybody.
I have been friends for a very long time with a group of friends who know me about as well as anyone else does. Probably more than Jerry:D MaryAnn, Dorma, Lori, Debbie and I get together a couple of times a year to play. Yes, we are old and we still play. We travel, laugh and mostly make each other laugh. We have been through it all with each other. The birth of our children, miscarriages, divorces , our parent's deaths , surgeries, cancer, and a lot more. These events have sealed us for life, and I can't imagine having survived trials without them. I have countless friends and to name just a few:
SueAnn, who took me to her house when I broke my collarbone and elbow. I ran over myself with my car, but I digress (another story) and nursed and showered me. I stayed at her house for three days, and she had her son Jeff rig up a call button as I lay in the kid's bottom bunkbed. Now that is friendship!! We have been friends for almost forty years, and I could make pages and pages of the things she has done for me and my family. Robin and Vickie who take me for rides where we eat Lay's potato chips and swig coke and solve the problems of the world. Kathy , Elaine, Debbi and Suzanne whom I have loved since college days. Gayle, you are the best when I can talk to you about anything and everything! We tried to lose weight when we were skinny and in college, and now we are grandmas and still talk about the same thing!! Alisa, what would I possibly do without you in my life? I have never know anyone more Christlike and giving. What an example you are to me!! Michelle, my book friend, who always enlightens me with the best of literature. Laurie, who is always just a phone call away and who came and bought me dresses when Adam was getting married and Jerry was out of work. Karen , who taught me to make banana cream pie, and who is the best friend/ boss ever.
Donna, Fern and Barbara, my "old lady" friends who were my dear, dear friends for over a decade while they were in their eighties, I learned so much from you! I mourned each one as you passed from this life and remember our good times together. You were funny, smart and so very wise. You were such a support system to me, and I loved you so, so much.
Amy Herrick, my friend who has taught me not only about teaching, but about selflessness and family. So many more out there who know who they are and how special they are to me. I rarely go a day when I am not encouraged or inspired by one of many people I see daily. My co -workers are the greatest, and I am so fortunate to work with children every day of my life.
To all the friends in my neighborhood and ward who care about me and my family: You know who are and how important you are to my life. All friends past and present have enriched my life so much!!
I hope that my children who are out in the world are meeting people and making that connection of friendship. You cannot teach anyone anything until you care about them. It is a wonderful thing to become friends with your children, and see them emerge into adults. Jerry and I are learning to be friends again after co-parenting, and I told him he would have to be my buddy. Friendship takes a little work, but it is so worth the effort. It has enriched my life in countless ways, and I am beyond blessed for all of the people I care about and who care about me. I am thankful to be friends with Jerry's mom, Joann and with his sisters, Jackie and Jan who welcomed me into the family from the start. I love my daughter-in-laws Jess and Carly, and hope I do not appear to be the strange mother-in-law, but their friend. Layne, I hope you find me a little less strange as time goes on:D
Fay Johnson, you are never far from my heart and will continue to be my greatest friend and advocate. When she lay dying, I laid my head on her heart, and asked, "Oh, Mom, have I ever made you proud?" I selfishly wanted her approval even at the end of her life. She struggled to whisper, "always". She was a friend to all, and I try to emulate her in her love for people. When Dad died, people from all walks of life came to pay tribute to Thiel Johnson, a man who loved and served others. What a great legacy I have, and what choice friends! Sorry that this is such a gushy blog, but I am feeling blessed tonight!!
gotta go, my favorite nephew, Brian, and his fiancee, Cadie, just stopped in
and I am making them chocolate chip cookies!
They were pretty good!
Dorma, Debbie, Me, MaryAnn and Lori
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