Written by Karen D. Swim
There are people who have been blessed with great beauty, others with inredible talent, still others with an abundance of wealth but I have been blessed with awesome friends! I could write an encyclopedia extolling the virtues of my friends but will limit my gushing to just a few in the space of one blog post.
From the first day her heels quickly clicked across the parking lot for our very first field travel I knew we would be friends. Her shoes tapped out a happy energy that matched her radiant smile. Sonya is one of my best friends and taught me that the bond of sisterhood does not require shared DNA. We are the sister each never had, so close in temparement and spirit that even her Dad recognizes me as a daughter. We have weathered the storms of life together growing closer with each challenge.
When she opted for a double mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis, we flew to Arizona for a Spa Day to celebrate saying good-bye to her breasts. We found the joy in living and taking control. When the surgery was over we giggled as we decorated the drains with a lei and marveled that she would be bra free for life.
Sonya shares my joy for life and has taught me that life is not always easy but always better when shared with a friend.
My friend Gina has shown me that becoming a young widow is not the end but a new beginning. We were friends before our husbands got sick and after my husband’s death and then hers our bond was further strengthened. Her boxing, dancing, motorcycle riding zest for life have taught me to seize the day and to not be limited by my age or marital status. She also taught me that you can look good and throw a mean punch!
Joanna Young and Amy Palko have shown me that words have a color and rhythm. They have taught me to both respect the art of writing and enjoy the freedom it brings. Through them my lens on the world has widened and my curiosity has found room to roam and grow. They have also taught me that no matter how old you are, giggling with girlfriends on a Saturday gives your spirit a much needed lift, even when it is shared across the miles.
Ellen Wilson has shown me that wearing your heart on your sleeve is a symbol of strength and beauty. Her sensitivity to the world around her, compassion for others and intelligent mind add to her natural beauty. She has taught me the importance of honoring those with whom we share the planet and the joy in dancing around a good bonfire.
I have learned from all of my friends that joy does not not come from “stuff” but from those who share the journey with you. Each person that I call friend has enriched my life and deepened my experience.
This post was written as part of the Middle Zone Musings Group Writing Project, What I Learned From My Friends.
Well, you know what comes next? Yep! It’s your turn! What have you learned from your friends? Share your stories here and let us laugh, cry, and cheer as you share your life lessons.
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Karen Swim says
Robert, I too am so glad to count you (and by extension Mrs. MZM) as a friend. The joy of blogging for me has truly been in the friendships that have formed through the interwebs. I’m so happy to share on the theme of friendship with all my friends near and far. Life is good!!
Melissa, isn’t friendship wonderful? My friends have taught me so much that one blog post only scratches the surface but I’m so glad to be able to keep reaching out to tell them how much I love and appreciate them. 🙂
Melissa Donovan says
Oh my, what I’ve learned from my friends would fill books! They’ve taught me about life, love, myself, given me freedom, and helped me grow as a person in ways that I can’t even find words for. Oh boy, now I’m going to be contemplating this all night!
Robert Hruzek says
Karen, what a moving and rich testimony to friendship! I’m glad to count you as one, too, even if it’s still fresh and new. But your spirit comes true across the miles just the same.
I count myself blessed to know you, as I’m sure all your friends do. 😉
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Gettin’ Back to Normal – Sortof
Karen Swim says
Ha! I got my non-blog reading friends to comment. This is indeed a great day!!
Sonya, your comment made me cry. You are my sister, and friend and I am so very blessed to have you in my life. I could easily write a book on your virtues but I will simply say, I love you.
G, I am so thankful for the gift of your friendship and for being allowed to share in your love for Caesar. You are honoring him daily and I know that he would be so proud of you. I love you my dear friend!
To everyone, having friends is truly one of the greatest gifts in life. I am so thankful that Robert gave me an opportunity to share mine with you!
gina says
Karen
First let me say that I am honored to be “blogworthy”!
During one of the darkest times of my life there was light, and that light was you. The bond that we have is proof that even in the worst situations you can find something good if you look. It is I who is blessed to have the priviledge of calling you friend.
Caesar taught me to enjoy life to the fullest and appreciate the special things. And though a day never goes by that he isn’t in my thoughts, I try to honor him by living a full life, and appreciating the special things, like our friendship.
While I don’t know any of the other special women you spoke of in your blog, I’m sure they will join me in thanking you for being you and being our friend.
Sonya says
Karen,
I have a cherished possession, a polished pewter box, not large; it almost fits in my hand. It arrived by mail, a surprise, beautifully gift wrapped in the signature red box topped with a white satin ribbon bow. The metal box stands so solid and enduring. It has traveled with me from my first home to my second and now my third. Silver and strong like steel yet lovely, the lid embellished with the engraving, “friendship” crowned with delicate pink pearls as cherry blossom buds sprouting from bare branches of the tree. Inside the box there is a piece of parchment paper with words of wisdom from Ben Franklin that reads: A true friend is the best possession and an explanation of the significance of the cherry blossom, a symbol of friendship and new beginnings. This box is a treasure to me because of the friendship it represents.
Like the treasured box that you gave me, your friendship is so valuable, a source of enduring strength, wise counsel and unending optimism. You have listened intently, laughed hysterically and made the tragedies and triumphs of the past 16 years unfold like short seasons of winter and budding springs of hope. I thank God for giving me a friend and a sister in you!
What I’ve learned about friendship, is that a true friend, like you Karen, is the best part of life – it is LOVE!
Karen Swim says
@Evelyn, thank you for sharing in the love. It was really a joy for me to talk about these wonderful ladies. 🙂
@Ellen, I thought you would like the DNA! 🙂 Thank for your those wonderful words, I’m hanging on to them, for the rough days when I need a boost. 🙂 Hey did you guys get flooding in your area?
@Joanna, you my dear friend are so gracious and kind. Thank you for being a friend. It means so much to me! 🙂
Joanna Young says
Karen, what a lovely testament to your friends and thanks for including me! You know I don’t think these things just happen: they stem from your own open, warm, and generous outlook on life. I’m sure there are many more great friends out there waiting to meet you… and dance, giggle, box even! along the way
Joanna
Joanna Youngs last blog post..What I’ve Learned About Writing From My Friends Online
Ellen Wilson says
Karen,
Thank you so much. I don’t know what to say now! Yes, Yes, the DNA! We are all related. Spiritually and Genetically. I suppose it’s all the same.
YOU have taught me to persevere in the face of crappiness and to have more faith in my talents. And that sticking by others and what you believe in is important.
Good friends are a blessing. And I’m happy to have you as my friend. E
What a good metaphor – this DNA.
Evelyn Lim says
I echo what the others are saying here too. What a beautiful tribute to your friends. How lucky you also are to have your life touched by them! It just shows how much love you have for each other. You were there for one another in times of difficulties. Wonderful!
Karen Swim says
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Karen Swim says
Lillie, I really am blessed and so glad Robert provided an opportunity for me to publicly share those blessings. 🙂
Steph, what a wonderful tribute to Colin, Brett and Marie. Your hubby sounds like an incredible man and I love that you share love and friendship – this is truly the stuff of a wonderful marriage! I think the world of Brett too, he is a good man. You two are lucky to have connected and I am sure he would have equally great things to say about you. Marie sounds awesome. You’re so blessed to have a friend that is not afraid to keep you to true to who you are. 🙂
steph says
Karen – Wow. You really are blessed to have such wonderful friendships.
Colin, my husband, has taught me how to be an unconditional friend, one who would do anything for anyone, even if it’s an inconvenience. He’s teaching me to question everything, how to grow with grace, and how to love and be less selfish.
My friend Renee has really taught me the value of having a girlfriend, how to be a good friend in general, and that friends you stick with for a long time offer value in the history you have together.
Brett Legree has been an incredible friend in the time since I’ve met him. He offers unconditional support, guidance, and friendship. Although he lives 4 hours away, I know that in time of desperate need he would be here for me. Along with Colin, he’s teaching me the value of big dreams, family, heartfelt encouragement, and learning to question how things are perceived on the Internet!
My friend Marie, both a former client and very good friend, whom I’ve seen only twice in the six or so years we’ve been corresponding, has taught me to keep honest, to be true to myself, to dream with excitement, and most of all to see the exquisite beauty in things, especially everyday minute details.
stephs last blog post..Thoughts on a Friday Afternoon
Lillie Ammann says
Karen,
This is a beatiful tribute to your friends. You and they are blessed to have each other as friends.