Saturday, July 17, 2010

Say Hello to a Friend

I received this lovely Friendship pin and bookmark in the mail last week.  Another wonderful giveaway associated with the Mad Tea Party.  The pin was designed by Kathryn Antyr (College Diva) and you can purchase one from her as well.

Summer 247

The pin is beautiful and it’s message is timeless. 

 Summer 248

‘Each colorful wedge in the friendship circle represents a beautiful friendship in your life.  At the center is a spiral – an inspiration spiral.  As each friend shows their true colors the spiral spins and all friends in the circle are touched.’ (quoted from the bookmark).

It’s meaningful today as I ponder all the friendships that have touched my life, given me inspiration, made me happier.  I found out today I lost a friend.  Forty is way too young to go.  The boy across the street who I grew up with.  We were the same age, had nearly every class together in elementary school.  AND he was always kind to me even though I was a girl.  We grew up together, wrestled, played flag football, teased and laughed.  I think we got along so well cause I was a rough and tumble tom-boy, or maybe he was just nice to everyone.  Now that I think about it, I don’t think I ever remember him being mean to anyone.  My first year of High School we walked home for lunch together (our houses were less than a block away) nearly every day.   Those were great walks – just talking stuff.  Then I moved away and we lost touch.  Oh, I heard snippets here and there, but it was a friendship lost, and I’m a bit sad because of it. 

I stink to High Heaven at staying in touch with friends and even family.  Thank goodness for Facebook, I’ve found a few that way, but I still really don’t do good with letters, emails or staying in touch.  It’s not that friendship isn’t important, I’m just easily distracted with my life.  But those excuses seem hollow right now, that’s all they were – excuses.  Excuses that prevented me from thanking someone for being a great childhood friend, High School or College Friend.  Excuses not to show gratitude to the people who inspired me, helped me find happiness along the way, contributed to the individual that I am now. 

I’ll miss you Richard Fairbanks,  I guess now you know how grateful I am for our childhood memories.  Sorry I didn’t share that with you in person.

5 comments:

Katy Cameron said...

So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Like you I'm terrible at keeping in touch, think you may have given me a kick to go and find a few people to reconnect with though!

Anonymous said...

My oldest friend died 8 years ago. He was the only person outside of my family to know me forever--I named my middle boy after him to keep his memory alive. Too young to die. And hard to keep in touch with all the people we know, isn't it?

Natalie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you'll be able to keep your memories of your friend as long as you can. Just remember and cherish the good times, and don't blame yourself for loosing touch.

Kathryn Costa said...

I'm so happy that you won the pin. When I stopped by the random generator website, I said to the computer, "Select who needs to receive this pin." Voila!

Go spread some love! Keep the inspiration spiral spinning!

{soul hugs}
Kathryn, Collage Diva

Arrow said...

Sorry. Is he the one that used to play the guitar?

I also struggle to stay in touch with friends. I'm now on Facebook, but I'm not too happy with its design, so I'm not sure that I'll use it much. Perhaps I'll have to think of something else to stay in touch with friends.