Picking Up Where We Last Parted

With great friends we can seamlessly pick right up where we left off, regardless of the amount of time that has passed since we were last together.  The comfort of so much affection and so many shared experiences creates a strong foundation that time and distance can't disrupt.  Seizing such opportunities nourishes our spirit.

Old and New Friends

This past week was filled with lovely opportunities to visit with cherished long-time friends and meet new ones.  Our dear friends nourish us - we can celebrate special occasions, share successes, commiserate about disappointments, get feedback and offer advice. We can be appreciated for who we are and encouraged to become who we want to be.  Our new friends represent all the possibilities of an unopened present from an awesome gift-giver.  This present will be what we choose to make it.

Special people, not things, keep live purposeful.

My Best Furry Friend

Tiger joined our family on Julia's 7th birthday.  My timing logic was that at age 7, Julia would be somewhat responsible for a pet's nurturing, care and feeding.  And, at age 3, Gar wouldn't be too intimidated by a pet, nor a pet too terrorized by a toddler.  Before her feet reached the floor on her 7th birthday, Julia asked when we could get her cat.  Our trip to Special Pals was filled with anticipation, and as is often the case with adoptions, Tiger reached out from his cage to let us know that he'd chosen us.

In Tiger's nearly 16 years as part of our family, he brought much joy, love and laughter.  He earned me the cherished designation as Mommy Cat, because wherever I lit, he was not far behind.  His purr motor was a marvelous indication of continuous love. 

Tiger taught us:

• go for what you want (we could have chosen another cat)
• love your family no matter what happens
• stopping to pet the cat is even better than stopping to smell the roses
• furry friends are non-judgmental
• we all need friends to look after our interests
• patience
• loyalty
• tolerance
• love is forever

Tiger went to the happy petting, eating and sleeping grounds on Monday.  His love for us and ours for him endures.

Great Shot!

Years ago, Edgar and one of our dear friends were hunting geese in a swamp.  They'd endured a long hunt with no action when a goose flew by.  Both hunters enthusiastically fired upon this creature, far away.  Ever competitive, it was the ultimate winning retort when Edgar proclaimed to our friend, "Great Shot!".

As this incident indicates winning is contextual.

Cherished Friends

The gifts of friendship, laughter and saying whatever comes to mind are among the many things I cherish this Christmas! My family seemed astonished, when I said, "Yes, I've been at lunch all afternoon!" They had no way of knowing that it seemed like only 30 minutes. Through good times, tragedies and everything in between, it's lovely to know that I have friends who will laugh, cry, applaud, advise, listen and counsel. And above all: they will understand that we are all doing the absolute best that we can with each situation that evolves.