
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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