Pondering The Essence Of Friendship

Today was a day off from both my jobs. A much needed

day of rest. It was a day of wearing a flannel nightgown.

I emailed friends that I hadn't spoken to. Sent out a few "thinking of you cards". Watched "Law and Order". Talked on the phone. 

Looked at old and new photos.

I thought a lot about the relationship of girlfriends ...

a very serious subject and I smiled.

My friend Beth and I grew up in the same home town before kindergarten

and have stayed in touch through the years - we each have 2 kids.

 Many moons ago she moved to Florida. Miles don't matter.

      I see friendships that amaze me. They bring me such joy.

I have younger cousins that are so close they have been like sisters

since birth. They skype, they sleep over, they text...

it is a sight to see. My cousin Linda has always been my sister - we simply mesh, crack each other up

and are as different as night and day in many ways.

 We're first cousins.

She has clued me in to what a strong woman

I am and that the Mondelli woman are survivors.

By listening, laughing, sharing and

most of all being a living example.

Woman have the talent of picking up where they left off.

Be it a move, a busy family life, life crisis, health concerns,

career pulls, divorce  - we're just there for each other aren't we?

There for each other.

And if you're especially blessed, as I have been -

you have a best friend like I do. Pauline and I have been friends since

1st Grade.

YUP.

We grew up together in NJ. Went through homework sharing, bikinis,

swimming, boys, the Rolling Stones, concerts,

Cat Stevens, the Hippie era, high school, first cars, first jobs,

first kids, long hair, short hair, car pools, Tupperware,

Pampered Chef, craft business, summer cookouts, back yard sun bathing,

Jersey shore, teenagers, my first husband, parents aging, surgeries,

wine tasting, our children's weddings, my cancer, her move, my move....

You Get It!

So today I was thinking

about girlfriends....

how we can talk to each

other when our day has been bleak

or when we want to share a joyful moment.

I had a terrifc day off because I thought of all the special

times I've shared and witnessed with the

very special women in my world.

hugs and kisses, jenn

Surviving - Kapow!!!

So I go to the doctor on May day - having a few gastrointestinal issues a few weeks before my Colonoscopy. She says "let's do a Cat Scan". Could it be my gall bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, stress - hmmm. I win the prize - a large mass on my left kidney that is more than likely malignant. WHAT???? Well, it was, it's out and it rocked my world. I have a sense of humor, a strong faith in God, very supportive friends and family, I recovered rapidly. But I just never dreamed I would have Cancer. I have lost friends to Cancer, have friends dealing with Cancer. Know there are millions of women with Cancer. Now I know how brave you all are. I'm so proud of you. I applaud you for your faith and courage and tenacity! Although I can never feel what you feel - my heart and prayers are with you. Love, Jennifer

Favorite Friends - Cindee's Garden Site

Cindee's Garden...... Thank you Cindee for reaching out and viewing my site

touching me with

friendship and

and generosity.

Can it be true that 'friendship is as comfortable as an old shoe'?

To foster or not to foster - Yes I gave my Heart.

We had our sweetie foster dog for 8 months and it flew
by - Taco - 8 years old - "temporary" - just until a family of
of 7 got back on their feet and found a new apartment.
We gave him a flea bath, we cleaned his ears, we bought him
a collar - this is not good - he's under the cover in bed every
night - we buy him a fleece coat - he's stylin' - everyone loves
him - my grown sons, our 13 year old dog, the ladies at the
bank. The phone never rings. He's our baby now (he's gray,
grizzled and 8 years old). "My dog". Then the call comes ....
he's going home. I plan to be out, I get cranky. The day arrives.
No call, they don't show. Spirits soar! A week passes.
Taco went back to his family yesterday. We did a good thing -
When he left he ran out the door to an 8 year old girl with a leash
waiting. I found out she cried the entire week he left. You see he
was a birthday gift for her 1st birthday. He followed her to the car
with his butt and tail wagging. He never looked back
- which is just the way it should be. A little girl and her doggie
in love. Happy ending. I feel good.

Never Too Old To Learn - Girl Friends...

Listen.... I'm never too old to learn. I've always thought of myself as a good friend - patient, helpful, loyal, fun loving, quick witted. What I didn't realize - or at least didn't take seriously enough, was that to be a good friend - the most important thing you can do is LISTEN. Give your girlfriend the gift of hearing her fears, her voice, her anger, her joys. She is perfectly equipped to make her own choices. You don't have to "fix her". Just be her friend.