The importance of friends

Recently I posted about how life is going here. And through it started messaging a friend Sue, who is dealing with a close friend and dementia. We agreed to go to breakfast and asked invited our friend Rita whose husband has Alzheimer’s.

That breakfast was today. I have not seen either since before the pandemic. But it all started with hugs to fill your heart. Our conversation was like we haven’t been apart. We caught up on each other’s news. We talked about life and faith and God-moments. We laughed.

Then we headed to conversation about the beast. Each of us shared parts of our story and our journey. We all started at different times and in different ways. But to get together with such close faith filled friends made my day.

In reference to those God-moments I also reflect on how these two amazing women entered my life. Sue as the Director of Faith Formation when my kids were in elementary school. I would go to her with all the trials and struggles I had trying to teach our faith. She helped me through health issues with Kate and the death of my father.

Rita moved from Rhode Island to be near her grandchildren. I went to a meeting at church about a faith sharing group starting. I debated after that meeting if i really wanted to join this groups. I did and for years we would gather in Rita and Franks living room on Mondaynights. Not only did it strengthen and grow my faith, it lead me to friends who I could have those deep faith conversations with. It helped me as my entire world was shaken five years ago.

To be back together with them, to talk to them and to hug each of them was a blessing. Can’t wait till next time.