My magical weekend continued on Sunday. I went to Mass and brunch with some dear, dear old friends (Andi and Jerry). We have been friends since my freshman year of college. For a brief, magical time we ended up in the same lovely parish in MN. We spent tons of time together—church, brunches, football game watches, kids’ sporting events, spaghetti dinners, Bible studies, and more. Oh it was heavenly. Now we leave thousands of miles apart, and life’s happenstances get in the way of taking the time to call each other regularly, let alone see each other.
BUT I got to see them on Sunday. It as for an all too brief visit. But we chatted; we caught up; we shared our hearts. We solved some of the world’s problems. Isn’t it a wonderful thing when you reunite with old friends? The time spent apart melts away, and you are instantly reconnected. I am grateful beyond measure. These friends have been in the trenches with us, and on the mountaintops.
This weekend has reminded me of something important. It is essential to stay connected. People that have been friends for a very long time need to stay connected. It is one of the things in life that keeps you sailing in the channel and fils your sails with the winds of love.
My angel of a friend led me back to the airport on Sunday, as there are many road closures and construction zones. As I followed her I knew that it was one of those metaphorical moments. She, like so many of us, lives her life of faith and is a constant shining star and example. She, of course, would say that isn’t so. She is modest and inspiring in her modesty. God continues to bless me with her friendship (and with her husband’s friendship as well).
It was a brunch and a day for rejoicing. It was too brief ~ but the love shared was, and is immense. Days like that build up my stores of love, courage, faith, happiness, and hope. Restoration and reinforcement sometimes come our way at just the right point in time. I began my summer’s travels with a life-affirming and wonderful visit to my college friend Mary, my NJ (now Wisconsin) friends Connie and Pete, relatives in WI and IL aplenty, my mom and clan in OH, OH friends (Katy, Maureen, and Dana) — in many places. I concluded my travels this weekend with countless MN gatherings all in one weekend. One incredible and glorious weekend, I must say.
I feel like Meryl Streep in the movie Defending Your Life. You see, it wasn’t my imagination. I have known some really wonderful and loving friends. Life is good. I am certain, that no matter how many times you hug in a weekend, you can always hug some more. I am home in AZ, and remembering oh so much.
https://believeanyway.wordpress.com/2013/08/25/have-you-ever-wanted-time-to-stand-completely-still/
Believe Anyway 