I had the greatest opportunity this week in which I really understood what it meant to remember my friends.
I witness the dynasty of a 41 year old friendship come to an end because of death.
My grandmother and my "aunt" were like two peas in a pod.
They laughed together.
They cried together.
It was so funny that they even started acting like each other.
Even with all of the arguments they experienced throughout their relationship one thing always stood clear--they were best friends to the very end.
Now that death has parted these two friends physical, I saw that my "aunt's" memory continues to exist.
We had so much fun sitting around the table laughing at her corny jokes or thinking about the great food she made.
I even got a little upset with her that she died so soon as she took all of her crocheting and sewing secrets with her.
My aunt was super creative and everyone knew this.
She was not a selfish person and she always made sure that her friends were cared for.
It was never the financial things she would provide for those in need or the food she would prepare for families within the neighborhood but just simple words of encouragement that we all remembered.
Never will a day go by that her memory will fade from our minds.
For to see the love of such a friendship like my grandmother and her best friend is something that I will hold close to my own heart forever.
So if you have a friend that you have not said thank you to in a while, take sometime out today to do honor them.
Let them know how much you appreciate their friendship.
The greatest lessons that I learned about friendship through my aunt's death are: 1.
Find sometime to spend with my friend(s) whether in person or on the phone as this will brighten their day and yours.
2.
Remember that it is okay to have disagreements within your friendship as it promotes growth.
Just do not allow the sun to go down without telling your friend when they have hurt your feeling.
That one conversation of not saying anything may foster years of lack of communication.
3.
Identify those things (e.
g.
we are two creative beings ready for fun and exploration) which make your friendship unique.
Hold on to it like you would your most precious gift as life is too short to let it become non-existent.
4.
Be willing to support each other during happiness and sadness as true friendship is long lasting.
5.
Give thanks for the friendships you have experienced through your lifetime as each one helps to build your character.
After all of this and hearing my grandmother talk about her friend for so many years, I began to ask myself what my friends will say about me when I die.
I too will be taking time out to appreciate my friends for both the small and big things they have contributed to me within my life as good friends are truly hard to find.
I witness the dynasty of a 41 year old friendship come to an end because of death.
My grandmother and my "aunt" were like two peas in a pod.
They laughed together.
They cried together.
It was so funny that they even started acting like each other.
Even with all of the arguments they experienced throughout their relationship one thing always stood clear--they were best friends to the very end.
Now that death has parted these two friends physical, I saw that my "aunt's" memory continues to exist.
We had so much fun sitting around the table laughing at her corny jokes or thinking about the great food she made.
I even got a little upset with her that she died so soon as she took all of her crocheting and sewing secrets with her.
My aunt was super creative and everyone knew this.
She was not a selfish person and she always made sure that her friends were cared for.
It was never the financial things she would provide for those in need or the food she would prepare for families within the neighborhood but just simple words of encouragement that we all remembered.
Never will a day go by that her memory will fade from our minds.
For to see the love of such a friendship like my grandmother and her best friend is something that I will hold close to my own heart forever.
So if you have a friend that you have not said thank you to in a while, take sometime out today to do honor them.
Let them know how much you appreciate their friendship.
The greatest lessons that I learned about friendship through my aunt's death are: 1.
Find sometime to spend with my friend(s) whether in person or on the phone as this will brighten their day and yours.
2.
Remember that it is okay to have disagreements within your friendship as it promotes growth.
Just do not allow the sun to go down without telling your friend when they have hurt your feeling.
That one conversation of not saying anything may foster years of lack of communication.
3.
Identify those things (e.
g.
we are two creative beings ready for fun and exploration) which make your friendship unique.
Hold on to it like you would your most precious gift as life is too short to let it become non-existent.
4.
Be willing to support each other during happiness and sadness as true friendship is long lasting.
5.
Give thanks for the friendships you have experienced through your lifetime as each one helps to build your character.
After all of this and hearing my grandmother talk about her friend for so many years, I began to ask myself what my friends will say about me when I die.
I too will be taking time out to appreciate my friends for both the small and big things they have contributed to me within my life as good friends are truly hard to find.