Day 547

Just yesterday, my "Birthday Sister" brought this puzzle over to my home! With Nancy, I am not sure if we are Silver or Gold Friends, but it seems like she has been part of my world for a good long time!

Right after retiring from my day job (elementary teacher), a dear friend delivered triplets prematurely. The little ones were about 15 weeks early, so it was a time for hope, strength and support. After over three months in the hospital, the first baby was released to come home. Baby number two wasn't far behind! Both babies were being monitored closely. At that point, there was a request sent to friends in the hopes they would like to rock and feed babies...Sign me up!!! The last little girl came home after five months, but by this time I was hooked! What started out to be a commitment of a month or so turned into over three years. Friend Nancy was one of the grandmothers (the other being my dear friend Jan) and the adventures were underway. Field trips, doctor's appointments and spending hours with these three miracles as they grew and developed was a gift. Along with a host of other hired support people, we "grandmas" enjoyed every moment...they are heading towards middle school now!

What is it about the bonds we form between others and ourselves that makes our lives full and grounded? My circles of friends are cherished. Some, I met during my education career, while others were neighbors, church members, dog handlers and other walks of life. Now, there is even a precious group of my students who I consider dear friends. (They were first and second graders way back when!).

Dogs certainly can pick out kind, wonderful people and do so in the blink of an eye and the wag of the tail. People are not much different! My closest friends are people I trusted right away. They drew me in with their charm, wit, intelligence, empathy and/or sense of humor. When I met them, like my Goldens, I simply knew they were people I wanted in my life...needed in my life. Even my sweet husband was my friend first!

Wherever friends pop up, hold them close to your heart. You will know they are people who will enrich you life from the first meeting. Grab on, hold on and nurture these relationships! You won't regret it for a moment!