While she was my boss we became friends again. We had such a high regard and respect for each other that neither of us took advantage of the friendship. We had a unique relationship. I think we were the envy of our department. We got along so well and knew what the other was practically thinking. She knew that she could depend on me to do whatever needed to be done and I knew that she would never ask me if she wouldn't do it herself. We timed our vacations so that we were never both gone from the department at the same time. I was her unofficial assistant.
I quit working 19 years ago. We live 2 hours away from each other. We stay in touch through email and twice a year we get together for a lunch. We had our Spring lunch today. We meet at the casino near my home. No, not to gamble, neither one of us believe in that. We meet there because they have great food and we can sit and chat for 4 hours and not be disturbed.
When we get together it is as if we had just talked the day before. It feels as if we are starting in the middle of a conversation. There are no pauses in the conversation (except when our mouths are full), we just move from one topic to the next. The 4 hours we are together goes by so quickly that we are always surprised our time has come to an end.
She is not my best friend and I doubt that I am hers. However, she knows things about me that no one else on earth does. And the same is true about her.
I don't make friends easily. I am cautious my nature in that regard. I make acquaintances . That is why I remain friends with someone a long, long time. I treasure them. I try to nurture the friendship. I try to give the friend the best of me that I can give to them.
We only just said bye for now a few hours ago and already I am looking forward to our fall lunch.
So my message after this bit of a ramble is simply this:
Treasure your friends. Hold them close in your heart. You won't regret it.
What a nice post! I had the same kind of relationship with the teacher that I spent 15 years working with. That's rare. Unfortunately, she hasn't kept in touch like I'd hoped she would. I've done most of the contacting. I feel a bit betrayed sometimes. I don't have a lot of close friends, but I have two that have been in my life for over 40 years--and we can always just "pick up" when we get together. It's wonderful, indeed. I just have a feeling that you and I are somewhat alike in a lot of ways....Have a good weekend, Trudy!
ReplyDeleteA great entry! Yes, friendship is such a wonderful gift and we usually have far more acquaintances than friends. I feel so blessed to have some very, very dear friends that almost like a sister to me. One has been my friend since the 8th grade (over 40 years ago) and we live 1000 miles apart, but we always pick right up where we left off when we are together. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteFriends like that are such a treasure! I have 4 such friends here in the area I live in. Our busy lives caring for children, maintaining home and home educating keeps us from getting together as often as we'd like. But about once a month we get together for coffee to catch up on life, encourage each other as wives, moms and in our spiritual lives. Truly a blessing!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great week!
LydiaCate
Great message great friendship!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. The message is important for every single one of us...
ReplyDelete