Sunday Scribblings - My Oldest Friend

I have three women in my life that I have known for thirty plus years. Each one has shared a pivotal piece of my history that has bonded us for life. Renee' I've known for 36yrs, Lisa for 34yrs and Terri for 30yrs. They are my oldest friends and yet do not know each other. Weird? These women are beautifully unique and have each brought something special to my life. They have all been there on my journey but impacted my life at different times and in different ways.

Renee' and I went through junior high together. She lived around the corner and I met her through her mom, my piano teacher. We each shared our first kiss, first dance and first make out party. She was shy and I wasn't but we balanced each other out during the tough years of puberty. We took our 10 speed bikes all over town on many adventures. Had sleep overs, loved being cheerleaders and playing football with the boys in the park (my idea ;)). We both got in to the same private high school that we did not want to attend. Our mother's forced it on us. I ended up finding my way but Renee' was quiet and hated it. She faded slowly away into some trouble and an older man. Early into high school our families had both moved away, losing touch.

After I left my husband I ran into Renee' by accident, ten years later. She was getting ready to leave her hubby also so we joined forces like we had never been apart. We shared a home, kids, dating and new careers. She taught me how to act in a club and to adult date. She insisted on being treated like a lady and was confidant in her beauty. I never did catch on but loved the experience. It was a hard time being single moms but we got through those three years together. She always makes my childhood favorite swiss steak if she thinks I need some comfort food. Renee' is married now, has two kids 15 & 20, owns a day spa and is very happy. She is still quiet, but full of love and generosity.

Lisa was my high school pal. I was the spunky cheerleader with a Pinto and she was the smart beauty with the Vega. Our car's were Simon and Garfunkel. My family tried to get her to snow ski and failed but we succeeded with water skiing on our family vacations. We double dated together, held each others hair if we drank too much at parties and our first loves were best friends. She had a older brother with cute friends, need I say more? We spent a week in Hawaii for graduation with our closest buddies and had a blast. We went off to college together but I left and she stayed. I was in her wedding and she was in mine (1st one). We were right there for each other when we each lost a parent, with love and understanding. She is so supportive of my illness and writing, which means so much. Lisa is happily married to a guy she met in college, has two kids 17 & 21 and runs her own business. She is a loving, sensible, generous spirit and is still a beauty.

Terri was my boss just before I got married (1st time). She taught me my work ethic and was an amazing working mom. We became very close as she helped me through a hard marriage, two pregnancies, tough financial times and low self-esteem. She did this while going through a hard divorce of her own. We hung out with our kids and she even got me to sing in her church's choir. We worked side by side, everyday, until she encouraged me to move on in my career. Her whole family treated me and my girl's like one of their own. She has been so supportive in my life. Terri is happily married with her girls and his three kids. She is a grandma and now a big wig at that same company. Another loving, smart, strong, generous spirit.

These women have so much in common. They are humble, quiet, sensible and spiritual women. Great moms, good kids and all successful in their lives. They watched me get out of control and yet each one has played a part in reigning me in. They all have inspired me to do better and be better just by loving me. Their support has never wavered.

We email and talk on the phone but we rarely get to see each other due to distance. They all have stressful jobs, husbands and kids, which adds miles to the distance. I can still pick up that phone and it's like time has not passed. This is the blessing of having old friends.

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