Friendships: Silver and Gold

I am reminded of the old addage, "Make new friends, but keep the old.  One is silver, the other Gold."
This weekend we traveled to Athens, TN where we moved about 26 years ago.  The church we attended, Ohio Avenue Church of Christ, built a new building and moved in June 1987.  We were invited to attend their festivities celebrating 25 years as Athens Church of Christ. 

A lot has changed in that time.  Our children have children of their own.  Laura, Louis, and Elle were able to join us Sunday morning.  It was great being able to share my precious Elle with those who have meant so much.  Many who were so special, the Guthries, the Cates, the Williams, the Dennises, and Granny Sewell have all gone to claim their robes and crowns.  I can imagine they were singing the old songs and eating the barbeque with us in spirit.

Many old friends were there...too many to name.  We enjoyed time with all of them.  Life goes on, but friendships last.  They are stronger than time and distance.  So for a Silver anniversary we were given gifts of gold through friendships renewed.

I wish you golden times and memories!

Reunions

Today I went to my high school sorority, DBS, reunion.  Most of the "sisters" were much younger than I.  I was asked to attend by my friend, Kerry, who was also my "little sister" when she pledged.  Another of our sister/friends, Barbara, went with  us.  Barbara and I lived on the same street and waited for the bus and walked home from the bus together many days.  Both Kerry and Barbara served at my wedding reception.  Through the years we have let life come between us.  Barbara brought her scrapbook and we got to peek at a part of our past.  Kerry brought her DBS composite picture.  We played the game of "Wonder what they are doing now".

It was great to be with old friends.  Time has been gracious to us.  We have all experienced the loss of at least one parent.  I am the only one of the three to have one remaining.  I hope we will make the effort to get together more often.  We went to Nero's after our "brunch" and talked some more.  One of the girls from high school was mentioned and that she seemed afraid to get with some of her old crowd...that she has had a hard time in life.  I stated that we should be well past the time where we have to compare ourselves to others.  Kerry said that was easy for us to say because we were not the one being faced with hardship.

I think I beg to differ.  On some level we have all had hardships to endure.  They are the times that make our character.  If life were always easy we would all be vanilla people.

Today I wish you opportunities to reunite and appreciate the unique spin you have on living.