top of page
Writer's pictureStephanie Valentine

A Friend Loves at All Times

...and a brother is there for times of trouble. Proverbs 17:17

A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.

This so aptly describes my friend. For the purposes of this entry, we will refer to her as Jewel. We met at church back in the 80’s. This was before husband and children. I can’t put my finger on what drew us together, but from my perspective she was the big sister I never knew I was missing. It is hard to describe Jewel because you really have to experience her. One of the things you notice about her right away is her tremendous sense of style. (Look at the picture. Notice how that blue in her dress matches the color of her sweater?) She is an excellent seamstress. I don’t just mean she can make a dress, blouse or skirt. We both do that. I am referring to coats, detailed jackets, and drapes. That was one of the things we have in common except she is a much better seamstress. She also believes in pairing shoes with her outfits. As long as I have a pair of black pumps, I’m good to go. She is also very serious about her faith. We definitely have that in common too. She is imperfect, just like me.

Jewel was one of the first people I called when I got engaged and she wisely asked “Are you sure?” She sewed the hostesses’ dresses for the wedding. (I was supposed to but ran out of time. Jewel came to the rescue.) I insisted on her being there (along with the rest of my family) when my oldest was born in the middle of the night, in the snow storm. We cried when I relocated to Georgia, but we promised to stay in touch. Jewel worked in the hospital and would make arrangements for my mom to have her appointments there. My mom knew she could depend on Jewel.

It’s hard to really understand our relationship if you don’t have a Jewel in your life. When my sister was arranging for family to stay with me while I recovered from delivering my third son, Jewel signed up for the first week. We have long conversations late at night (A holdover from when it was cheaper to talk long distance after 10 pm.) She always has time for me which has been a tremendous comfort for me over the years. She is the kind of person that you can share your secrets with. She will always keep them confidential and pray for you at the same time. She is also the type of friend that will run your ex-husband over if she ever catches him in the street…I forgot she has a new car now so he may be safe.

She is the godmother to my oldest but loves all three sons the same as you can see from this blog picture. She was praying for my youngest before he left for his first stint in Thailand. She sometimes tells me “Steph, I don’t know what you saw in me that made you want to be my friend, but I am so grateful that the Lord put us together.” I am too!


2 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page