On my birthday weekend, I spent my time traveling. I drove from Iowa, to Illinois, to Minnesota. Of course back to Illinois and finally home to Iowa. Why?
Well you see my 73 year old mother lost her true best friend in the summer lat year. She died of cancer. Mom tried to see her before she died, but things kept getting in the way. Including myself and my selfish behavior of not wanting to drive all over the place. Now, I may have played a part in not going, but looking back, I think there was more to it.
I think mom wasn’t ready to face the death of her beloved friend. They wrote letters to each other constantly, gossiping about family and past friends. They met over 50 years ago, when their oldest sons started attending school together. 50 years…….wow, how long have you been friends with someone like that.
Anyway, Barb eventually moved to MN,due to her husbands job. But Mom and Barb remained true friends. They wrote to each other often, attended children’s weddings, shared vacations, still exchanged Christmas gifts and much more.
I’m jealous of the fact, that she’s had that friend forever. I wish I could say the same. Our time that weekend was spent with few tears, but many laughs and memories. Mom said good-bye to her dear friend at her grave site. Or as mom put it “her last earthly home.”
I guess I take from this, never take for granted those you call a “friend”.