Friendships

I probably talk about friendships

more than any other topic.

That's because I hold each one

tenderly in my heart.

Fortunate to have a group of very close friends, I am.

God knew we needed each other.

Coming from such diverse backgrounds,

interests and situations,

yet we are bonded tightly,

securely and gratefully.

I have considered my brother Kevin my best friend for many long years now.

He is tried and true, solid & committed to me.

My other best friend is also of the male species,

one who has gifted me with an example of true selfless giving.

I have learned more about living on another's behalf from

him in a few short years than any other time in my life.

Jeff's best friend, Luis, yet another man,

who has given of himself on my son's behalf

and mine as well in extraordinary ways.

(Couldn't have done it without the full

support of his wonderful wife, Joann).

**

And then there are my girlfriends

Incredible, bright, funny, wonderful girlfriends.

How could I have carried on this past decade without them?

God knew I could not.

They rose to the occasion and gifted me with prayer

when I could not pray, but felt above the fray of life

because I was being lifted UP.

They gifted me with time, treasure and talent

and they continue to do so.

I want to declare that I am grateful, blessed and deeply moved

each one bringing something I desperately needed

FRIENDSHIP, LOVE & CARE

How do I list them? So many deserve the first place on the list

but they need to be acknowledged...so here we go.

Norma, Elaine, Rose Marie, Patti

Donna, Donna, Lena, Mary

Pam, Brenda, Judy,Barb

Tina, Joann, Bernita, Jane

Margo, Connie, Maria

My goodness! This is like the Oscar thank you's...

I couldn't have done this without you

this thing we call living

Because of you I live large

and to the fullest

with wonder and delight!!!!

As I have had time to reflect on my return to California I have realized

deep within that I am healed and believe the grieving

about losing Jeff has been completed.

I am not who I was, I am profoundly changed.

The hole in my heart will not fill..nothing can fill that loss.

But I am smiling, positive and absolutely full of JOY.

So my dear friends, all of you, thank you for being there

God's hands and feet

Blessing me * Blessing me * Blessing me

xoxoxoxoxxox

Karen