IN LIFE AS IN THE DANCE : GRACE GLIDES

ON BLISTERED FEET.
---Alice Abrams

Monday, June 11, 2007

Manic Monday - Friend

FRIENDS come in all sizes, shapes and colors. They come in different age groups, cultures and religions as well. Some of our friends may even be family members! My closest friend on this earth is my cousin. I trust her with my closest guarded secrets, knowing that she would never betray my trust. I am so blessed to have her in my life! We came so close to losing one another in the "busyness" and confusion of daily living. But we were reunited with a bond even closer than we enjoyed when we were younger, brought about by lessons learned in a harsh reality.

I'm fortunate in that my daughters are my friends. Some of our best times have been weekends away together, doing "girlie" stuff and just being silly - having fun; forming memories for quiet moments alone in which to reminisce and wonder at the women they have become.

And yes, my "hubman" is my friend, in the truest sense. He chose me to be his life's partner which requires a huge amount of trust and faith. He knows that I did not take my vows lightly and will be by his side through thick and thin, 'til death do us part. It's not been easy - not for a moment! But the payoff is being able to sit side by side on a Sunday afternoon, sharing a quiet moment together, watching a sappy movie and enjoying it tremendously! I've strained his limits at times as has he, but friends don't walk away from each other. You get out of a relationship what you're willing to put into it. That goes for spouses, as well!

Bloggers - a special breed of friend! We make new friends daily. We read each other's deepest thoughts, silliest jokes, and share greatest hopes and dreams. The sense of community never fails to astound me, and how quickly these "comments" of ours can turn to true friendships is simply amazing!!!

Friends don't necessarily come from the same roots or backgrounds, but come willingly together to share in a stew: one brings carrots, one brings potatoes, another onions, yet another seasons the whole lot! A wise man tastes and sees that it is good.

Thanks to dear Morgen, and Manic Monday, for the opportunity to write about friends!!! Visit his site to read more...

21 comments:

Callie Ann said...

Oh Gracie, What a truly wonderful post you have written. You and your family are all so beautiful. I am pretty sure your all very proud of eachother. See you around the blogs Girlfriend. I can bring some zucchini to put in the stew. Makes it extra yummy!!

Gattina said...

That's a very nice description of friendship and it is very important in a good marriage ! But also you can choose your friends while you inherit your family !

Anonymous said...

What a great post! I just watched the movie 'Because I Said So' and was so envious of the 'girlie' outings they took..it seems as though you are able to do this IRL ;)...and yep, there are rough times...I used to be 100 times worse than I am now...and my husband is still here...and oh how we love those quiet moments of just sitting outside or as you said..watching sappy movies together...the payoff of staying together outweighs the bad times for sure!!(at least for us)

Durward Discussion said...

What a wonderful tribute to those you love.

Constance said...

Good Monday morning, Gracie ! Friends are one of the most precious things you can have in your life ! The genuine love you give is reflected back to you in what you are getting from your cousin, your daughters, your husband and your cyber-friends !

I went to visit Morgen, as you suggested, but his post was only asking you if you were a manic monday participant -- what did yu want me to see ? I didn't see him having written anything on friends or friendship --

Hugs,
Loving Annie

Crazy Working Mom said...

Very well said, Gracie!
You have a beautiful family as well. I know where they get their beauty from, what a lovely mom.

Great MM post, my dear blogging friend!

Sarge Charlie said...

very nice gracie, have a wonderful friendly day.....

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

you are a wonderful friend gracie! and it is good to have you back blogging! we missed you my friend.

smiles, bee

Anonymous said...

what a great, well thought out post!! Happy Manic Monday.

Mags said...

Friends really DO come in all shapes, sizes and colors...and we find them in the most unlikely ways!

Thank you for being my friend Gracie, and Happy MM!

Carrie said...

What a wonderful post :)

I'm glad to count you as a blog-friend, Gracie! Happy MM!

Sandee said...

This is the best post yet Gracie. You have nailed friendship so well. You do have a talent to say the right things at the right time. It is indeed a pleasure to share a little piece of life in cyberspace with my friend Gracie. :)

Unknown said...

Awwww! Such a beautiful, well written tribute to your friends. Once again, you´ve touched my heart.

Gracie, I hope you don´t mind I borrowed a picture of yours for my MM today?
Oh... and maybe you´d like to hop over to Germany celebrating my 33rd birthday having a BBQ, burritos, pizza?

Constance said...

Okay, Gracie, I got it now. Excellent way for him to do his post today !

Lee Ann aka Dixie said...

What a beautifully written post.

Happy Monday!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post Gracie!

You season my soup too! :-)

Smalltown RN said...

what a wonderful post...yes we are blessed to have so many wonderful people touch our lives..like your said...whether it be an extended family memeber, our children our our spouse..they all have a place in our hearts and feel blessed for it....

Thanks friend....

Linda said...

I love your stew analogy, that is the greatest way to look at friendships!

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

Gracie, how nice!! I like this blog!! So nice to have friends and of course family is the greatest of friends!! I love blogging because it brings more and more friends into our lives. I have met friends that I would never have met without blogging...I am home now from traveling and so glad of it. We have to have a new A/C put in so it is a little warm here in the South East tonight in our home!! Oh well!! hope all is well with you..Sandy

Desert Songbird said...

You are very blessed in your family, Gracie. I know you've had your share of sadness and tragedies, but through it all, you have persevered and come out strong.

Kudos to you!

Travis Cody said...

Excellent post on friendship.