By Part 1 of 3. See if you can guess the next two challenges based on this one!
Some people like to categorize their friends: short term or long term friends. Work friends, church friends, vacation friends, neighbor friends.
I have one category – friend…because once you’re a friend, you are a friend for life (unless something really catastrophic happens that breaks the bond). I may not talk to someone every day or for years, but I still think of them as a friend.
I’m grateful for Cassie and Nicol, who were my sorority sisters and friends in college. We were the Three Musketeers in college. We’ve gone down different paths but I still think of them fondly. I’m grateful for Pam, who I met through church. She and I roomed together when I lived in big D and was just starting out in the work world. We joked that she was adopted into the Upshaw family. I went several years with just birthday card or Christmas card exchanges from her, but I think we’re going to take a trip together next year! I’m grateful that she makes the effort to stay in touch.
I’m grateful to my MBA buddies – in particular Julie who had Julie’s perch just outside the b-school where we would gather. I’ve lost touch with my two roommates from that time, Krista and Lauren. I consider them friends, though they probably were sick of me toward the end of our lease (stressed out Mary is not always a good friend or roommate). I’m grateful for the friends I made in Germany (a mix of Germans and American expats) who helped me laugh instead of cry when I was homesick. I’m grateful for the friends I made in Louisiana (sidenote – it’s a LOT harder to make friends as an adult).
I’m grateful for Rosie who has been a part of my life for over 20 years, starting when she hired me at Marsh. I’m grateful for the friends I made on a chorale trip to Ireland. I’m grateful to Cammie, Angela and Ruth with whom I traveled to Germany this past Christmas (and hopefully will be traveling together soon). I’m grateful for the delightful single ladies I met on the river cruises – all of us brave enough to travel solo and get out there to live life and experience new things.
Let’s be grateful for…FRIENDS (not the tv show). It’s about time to celebrate these wonderful gifts from God. Today I’m going to be grateful for them (get ready for a call, text, email) by letting them know how happy I am that they are or have been a part of my life.
