As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
King Solomon
Moving to a new town can be intimidating. Everything is new and different. It can take a lot of getting used to. As a new wife and mom, I was determined to “give it a go” as they say across the pond.
December would be our first Christmas with a child so my Dad decided he would come to Atlanta to visit. Christmas was always a big holiday for us as a child because this was one of the few days in the year when our whole family would be under the same roof, even if it was just for a few hours.
Dad’s plane was coming in around 5:00 p.m. and we only had one car at this time. Anyone who is familiar with late fees from daycare knows that it is expensive to be late. The day care workers are ready to go home too. So I am at work, not wanting my child to be the last one to be picked up and I am sure my face told the story. In the nicest, most unselfish act I have had the privilege to receive; my casual hello-in-passing co-worker asked me if I needed a ride. I explained to her that I needed to get my child from daycare and if I could just get to him, I would be good. She graciously agreed to take me there and take us home, which as it turns out was close to where she lived. She drove a sporty car that was low to the ground so we laugh to this day about the little boy with braids (he hadn’t turned a year old yet) riding in the car. We have been friends ever since. She is the type of friend who remembers all of your babbling even when you can’t remember what you have already told her.
I remember us going on a bus ride to Boaz, AL was a big shopping destination. We were more along for the ride. I think I bought a Bible and an umbrella. She was well familiar with the struggles I was having with the husband and at this time it was clear that we were going to have to go it alone. I was expecting my youngest at this time, but was waiting for the right time to tell her…not knowing what her response was going to be. We went back to her apartment after the bus ride and I finally blurted it out. In her inevitable style, she plucked me in the forehead and said “What were you thinking”? We laugh about it now, but she was so right. (It is a good thing this whole story has a happy ending.)
To this day, I can depend on her for good suggestions, sage advice and a listening ear. She has been in my corner for more than 25 years now. We don’t visit as much as we would like to, but we are only a phone call away. I admire her sense of adventure. She is well traveled, well read and just an overall jewel. She celebrates a birthday this week so this is my way of saying thank you for being a friend. We’ve been down the road and back again. Your heart is true, you’re a pal and confidante. Happy birthday!
