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

Friends - Love comes in many colors

Dear Michelle,

We've been friends for many years - how the time has flown! My sons are huge, your girls are no longer babies, through sickness and in health. God has tested us both. You are most certainly the bravest woman I know. And there are so many courageous women in the world. I also know your strength comes from your faith. It isn't always so - but you fight the fight - to be with family and friends - your girls. There are moments of solitude when you feel afraid, torn, lost, worn out - you cry, you vent, you rage and you pray ... most of all you pray. We've spoken of it many times. You've brought me closer to God. You've saved my life in your own soft and funny way. I don't even know if you truly know that - but it's true. And although when you're in the hospital, or having chemo or bouts of sickness in any way it can possibly be - you're in my heart - deep in my heart - where God is. He knows it and so do you and I. Stay well a little longer this time - so I can hear your soft voice on the phone when we laugh at life. You know I love you. Always, J

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me,

all who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest."

Love comes in many colors.

Crackin' Up Cousins! Sistahs in Spirit...

Ok, ok! This is silly but my cousin Linda and I are sisters separated at birth - it has to be! If you ever listened to us and tried to figure out the reasoning behind our sense of humor - it's sort of like that twin communication thing you might have read about it? We've roared on a roll away bed in Rome, we've giggled in her room, we've chuckled in the car. No, it doesn't even have to be especially funny to anyone else. Although, there are a few family members that have shared moments similar to our's about our Grandmas,and assorted relatives that we discuss at summer cookouts or holiday dinners. You'd just have to be there. Unless you have ridiculous laughter of your own and are lucky enough to have a sistah of the heart like I do.