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.

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

 

‘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.

Hug an Angel

Last year on Thanksgiving weekend our kids participated in the Seattle Children’s Marathon benefitting Children’s Hospital. We ran in a group called ‘Team Mara’. I knew Mara’s grandparents because they were members of my church and the most amazing people you could ever hope to meet. To be honest I’ve never met little Mara but she has made an impact on my life and touched our whole family.


Today heaven became a brighter, happier place because Mara went back home to her Heavenly Father.


You’ll probably remember me mentioning little Sadie on my blog. Sadie and Mara both have the same kind of terminal brain cancer. Mara held on for a little over a year and Sadie putting up a good fight. It’s so hard to see these little princesses and their families going through a parent’s worst nightmare. But both families are so strong in their faith and hope you can’t help but have your own faith strengthened.

This year the kids and I will be at the Seattle Children’s Marathon again running in memory of Mara, and we are still working on our 1000 acts of Service for Sadie. The world is a much better place because these two angels graced our lives with their stories.

So hug your kids, tell them you love them, and send off another prayer for the Adams and Huish’s families.