by Terri
We have a
powerful weapon that could help us fight illness and depression, speed
recovery, slow aging and prolong life: our friends. I have a dear friend visiting this week and not only do we share the love of photography, she is just the best person to be around. She is always happy and no matter what's going on in my life, being with her lightens my load and makes me happy too.
Being able to share the good as well as the bad with a friend is invaluable. Have you ever had a friend who is always finding fault with things and people and who never seems to be happy? No matter how good your mood is before seeing this person, after five minutes your mood has changed and you're just as negative as she is. It really brings you down to be around someone like that. Conversely, whenever I'm around this friend, whatever my mood was before seeing her, she never fails to make me happy.
We spent the day in one of our favorite places, talking, laughing, taking a hundred (maybe more?) photos and just being together. She is visiting from the Midwest where it is still winter but here in the desert, as you can tell from my photos, it's Spring!
Now she isn't a friend I see every day, nor even every month. But when we do see each other, I know she will listen to what's on my mind, offer advice when it's asked for or just an ear to listen and she makes me laugh. I will come away feeling like a weight has been lifted. You know the saying:
“Friendship
doubles our joy and divides our grief.” ~ Swedish Proverb
And I’m
lucky to have several friends like that, many of whom are right here on this
blog. Over the years that we have shared this space with each other, we have
also shared our lives, our joys and our sorrows. Knowing they are there (and I hope for them,
knowing I am here) is a comfort and a blessing. Because to have friends like that, you have to be that kind of friend in return.
I hope for
all of you that you have those kind of friends. Friends to go through life with,
friends who make you happy and who you make happy in return. Friends to listen
and friends to care. Friends who bring a smile to your face on the darkest of
days. Friends just make your life better. Have you hugged a friend today?
“Friends are
those rare people who ask how we are
and then wait to hear the answer.” ~Ed Cunningham
9 comments:
What wonderful images of nature and spring in your part of the world. It's so true what you say about real friends and that's such a nice photo of two friends together at the end!
This brings my heart joy to see this picture of you and Deanna together sharing a passion of photography but more importantly, the gift of your friendship. I miss you both and wish I were there!!! xo
It's so true, all you say. And this shot of you makes me incredibly happy. There you are together. I can't help but remember the early Picture Classes and how we were all just getting to know each other and how uplifting it all felt. Good times, good times. A shared history. Have a wonderful visit, you two lovelies.
I'm blessed to have these kinds of friends in my life too (including all my FOL sisters!) and they bring so much joy in my life. happy to see you both together here today! :)
What extraordinary photos and beautifully heartfelt words! Thank you.
What a beautiful read and what a beautiful friend you have and you are. These photos are gorgeous too!
There is nothing better than good friends to share what is near and dear to your heart! The good times, and not so good! The photos are wonderful and Im so happy that you and Deanna got to spend some time together, making memories and building a stronger friendship! Thanks for sharing!
Ahh, this is a wonderful post. I am flattered that you have written such beautiful words about me and our friendship. I feel that friends are what keeps me going in the best and worst of times. We have a strong bond us sisters that have gone thru really tough times as well as great times. Spending time with you is always the highlight of my trips to Arizona. Love you, my friend!! And yup, it's time to get to the gym and take off that extra poundage I put on this past winter.
Ah, such a beautiful post, Terri. Among my friends I had one that was constantly complaining and being negative. One day I woke up and realized that her kind of friendship was not helpful to me. I slowly distanced myself and began to associate more with loving, kind friends. Who we spent time with effects our life. We need to chose our friends wisely.
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