Make new friends, but keep the old...

What is it about old friends that we all love? Is it the ease of conversation, the realization that the passage of time has proven they're not going to desert us now, or the joy of reliving old stories? When the triplets were born, our lives became a bit overwhelming. It was all we could do to get DH to finish his MBA while working full-time and to feed three hungry little angels every 3-4 hours. By the time they were active toddlers, a new baby was on the way. Travel was limited and so we went years without seeing many of our favorite people. This is not because we didn't want to see them, it was simply because our home life was very demanding and wonderful at the same time. I often miss those sweet days with no preschool or school to attend and plenty of time to paint a picture or play in the yard or snuggle and read books. Of course we still do those things, but many times they take place on weekends due to the school day hours. DH & I went years without seeing many of you, our sweet old friends. Friendships that have stood the test of time are so wonderful and important. Thankfully we are finally starting to be able to see some old friends again. Our time is still limited, and we don't always get to see everyone we'd like to see in a town like Atlanta or Dallas, but we're starting to have opportunities for quick visits, hugs, and laughs. We just returned from such a trip to Dallas.

Dh & I were married in 1995 and I moved to Dallas, Texas, to join my new husband in a new life out west. We lived in Irving, TX for the first year and then moved into Dallas. We made lifelong friends during our 3 years in Dallas. Those first years of marriage are such a great time to make new friends. While new jobs are demanding, you have a lot of flexibility in the evenings and on weekends and plenty of time to cultivate new friendships. That is exactly what we did. Most of these friends are not just "Christmas Card friends" but friends we consider to be some of our closest friends. We made more close friends when we moved to Raleigh in 1998 and still didn't have any children. So, it was high time to see some of these dear friends. Delta offered a cheap fare and we bought 2 tickets for the quickest trip ever to DFW. We didn't have time to see all of our old friends as we would have enjoyed, but we visited with our 3 closest families and had a ball. We laughed and reminisced and just enjoyed time together.

Now we live away from our dear Raleigh friends too. It has been years since we have seen some of our college friends. I love our new friends in Tampa, and am enjoying getting to know them better and better. Making new friends has made me desire to reconnect with old friends too. So, if you are one of those old friends, watch out!! My next airfare deal may be a trip to see YOU!! And, if you have lost touch with old friends, spend the next month reconnecting. Write an email or send a handwritten letter (my favorite) or pick up the phone and give them a call.

When DH's sweet Daddy died we were amazed that old friends drove all the way from Texas to Macon, Georgia just for the funeral and visitation. One of them was fighting cancer and they were in their 70s, but they came to say goodbye to their old friend. A relationship with the Lord, then a strong family relationship, and then your friends are what life is all about. I know I'm waxing sentimental, but reach out to those old friends!!!! I sure do love mine!!!

A Gift

Have you been reminded lately what a gift your friends are? They are a special blessing, a gift from the Lord. I have always loved my friends, sometimes more than they want to be loved:). Moving has made me love and appreciate friends and family even more. I honestly didn't think it was possible, but my love has grown!! We love our new friends. Everyone is so friendly in South Tampa. It doesn't matter if you are a 7th generation Tampa resident or if you've been here for a few weeks. Everyone is open and so welcoming. We are so thankful.

However, we miss our old friends. We'd love to live here with all of our lifelong friends here too from Raleigh, Georgia, Texas, Pennsylvania, NYC, etc! That would be just wonderful. You have no idea how wonderful it is to have old friends come see us here in our new life. It helps them understand where we are and what we are doing, but better than that, it picks us up when we're feeling lonely and just creates such happy memories for us!!

Dear friends drove in last night from Raleigh!! It took them 12 hours, and they arrived just before midnight. I could hardly wait for their arrival and finally gave up and went out to wait in the street!! Despite their being exhausted and worn out, we unloaded their car and sat outside by the pool and talked for too long before falling into bed!

We have had a perfect day. Palm Sunday is always special, and after church we grilled hot dogs and sat by the pool. The children swam for HOURS. They had so much fun together!!! They were all in bed by 7:30pm! We're looking forward to another great day tomorrow!

Time with friends

What is it about time with old friends that refreshes you? B & I were college roommates who married fraternity brothers and we are godparents to each other's children. She just had a birthday, so I flew to celebrate with her & 2 other friends flew in too. It was a great weekend! I didn't change any diapers, button anyone else's shirt, fix anyone else's hair, wash clothes, or clean the house. The most work I have done is emptying my trash can or putting one bowl in the dishwasher! It has been wonderful. We went out to eat, which is always a treat, and toured her beautiful new city. She was the perfect hostess! I will leave refreshed and ready to wash clothes and hug my children and precious husband!! He deserves an award for keeping 5 children by himself for the weekend!