Friendship

Over the summer, I have had time to reflect on my friendships. I have had some amazing friendships over the years and feel very blessed. This summer it was absolutely fabulous to drive and reconnect with people that I don't have the ability to see all the time. Yet, I was sad to have not seen many that I would love to see. You know you are missed in my life, but I had to think of the driving times and the children.

So, why the blog? I am fascinated by the twists and turns of friendship. Having driven for hours, I was welcomed by friends that dropped their busy schedules to make time to see me. I don't really have a overinflated ego, but it was flattering to know that I mattered enough for people to make time for me. I was also forgiven freely for not making my way to Victoria to see those folk there. The amazing part of going home is knowing that the threads are there to be picked up. The sights and sounds are familiar, but what makes home real and brilliant to the memories are the people that you connect with. Why bother if that is not the case? So, know that you my friends are appreciated.

I am also fascinated by the way that I can pick up the conversations and blend into the landscape as though no time has passed. I appreciated being able to feel like I had never been absent. These are the real friendships of which people speak. I could catch up on the gossip, and see growth and development. Within that is the fabric of timeless art, the words that don't need to be spoken and are just understood. Yes, going home has joy.

Then, there is the friend that is willing to travel to meet me in all my wayward travels. She and I have a compatible friendship that allows us to travel and converse freely about everything. Not all friends can or should travel together. There are arguments, hidden agendas, different interests and varied energy levels amongst some friends that travel together. I have been blessed to know a couple of friends that I can travel with and have that amazing relationship that is a compatible traveller that I know now, I could travel the world with. These are the friends that are compassionate, flexible and adventurous. Friends that know what you need prior to asking and fit into my world without me having to make an effort. Love you much...you know who you are.

Now there is the benefit of friendships within families. Having spent time with my family, it was lovely to rediscover how much we genuinely like each other and like spending time together. There is the way that we pull together in crises and how accepting we are of each other's likes and dislikes. Because we are family, there is no censored opinions either and yet, we all had fun. You are well loved.

Then, there are the friends that open their door and never make you feel like you are incoveniencing them. There was much food and wine, hot tubs and chit chat. Animals and mayhem... These friendships that have their roots in hospitality are very appreciated. I just hope that all my friends that cross my door feel as welcomed as I did when I crossed each of yours. There is the sense of family without blood ties. Fabulous.

Then, there are your friendships that intertwine with your daily life. I love the text messages, phone calls, visits and knowing that I can count on each of you to brighten my days and add the flavor. Each one of you has the ability to add a different dimension to my sense of self. I can be open and honest and share my life without feeling a need to be a different me. (People that ask that are not friends - they are spectators that don't get the play). I like knowing that I come back to a place where people care enough and are pleased that I blend into their world.

Facebook and social media have brightened my life as well. I have been able to connect with so many folks through this. Some people have become friends that I value after meeting them virtually. This is amazing, but I also have the opportunity to stay in touch with people that are far away. I enjoy this immensely.

Where am I going with this? I want all my friends to know that I love you and I appreciate you. I love what I can do for you and what you have done for me. Here's a toast "This Tim's is dedicated to you!"