Friends are a Treasure

Today was the day. Taking a final walk with an infant in carriage, we paid a last visit to the neighborhood that had been home. My mind wandered like skipping rocks over a quiet pond. Faces of people that I had known and had shared life experiences … places in the city regularly visited were softly departing. Fading like sepia toned photographs in a dusty album. Those familiar people, daily activities and special plans that were once a reality … were all about to change.

I turned the corner into a summer morning, the haze already thick in the air. We, my husband and I and our three-month old daughter were heading to our new home in another town. A team of helpers, a collective effort from both this city and our new residence, had arrived to load mounds of stuff into the moving truck. I swiped the sweat off my forehead as I tucked the baby into the travel seat. Then took a deep breath. My head was swollen with details, there was much to do, so much to figure.

A lot of me was excited to go. Some part wanted to stay. Moments later we were speeding down the highway.

As our caravan of vehicles pulled into our new street, it was met by a lovely, gentle woman. She was waving, her blue eyes bright and cheeks filled with glowing anticipation. My heart leaped. My wonderful friend was already here. Now, we would be living much closer to her. She hurried to the backseat of our car and, as she had promised, filled her arms with our baby daughter. The plan was to let us unpack while she enjoyed a fun day caring for our little one. We trusted our friend completely.

Why? Because we had strengthened our relationship, in both good and trying times. Encouragement was readily given through upbuilding phone calls, letters, special lunches out or dinners in and frequent church activities. We had affirmed our common interests and respected our differences. And it was so many years since my friend and I had ignited this connection. I had a lightness in my heart and a spring in my step just knowing she was there. We just knew our little girl would be safe.

Riding in the back seat, my mind wandered. To friendship … and what an amazing gift it is. A cherished bond that could be likened to a shimmering diamond, its many surfaces refracting light, showing facets of shared visions. Such a relationship embraced the desire to be there for one another... through times of struggle and pain as well as contentment and joy. A bond that embraces the essentials of becoming and applies a combined effort. Like what was happening now, our friends were giving their time to move all our life goods to the new house. Building such a trust … wanting the best for each other, is truly a binding force. Through misty eyes, I watched familiar faces of old friends work kindly with the new. As family we were stepping into a fresh life adventure.

And we were not alone.

As the last plate was stacked in the cabinet, the sofa and recliners carried in, and the baby crib set up, we all paused and nodded with satisfaction. Then with a cheerful hello, trailed in my friend with our cooing, gleeful daughter. With words of appreciation and grand hugs, she was welcomed into our just moved-in new home and offered a seat at table.

All was well in that town surrounded by family and friends, ready to sit for a while.

“and that’s how I live it.”

Dear Reader – Often noted from my counselor’s chair is the importance for clients to build lasting friendships, embracing honesty, respect and long-term reciprocity. Indeed, my friendship mentioned is close to a half-century long and growing …