Time marches on and before you know it you’ve made a lifetime of memories.
I first came to North Dakota about 47 years ago.
Having been a lifelong California girl, I found a whole new world in the Dakotas. It was definitely a slower pace. I had to literally slow myself down.
Along with the move came new friendships. A lasting bond was formed between me and some folks.
My late husband David grew up in Beach, ND. By fate or by design he brought home his family to his beloved hometown.
In those times I was a very shy young mother, being thrust into the unfamiliar.
I would soon learn though that I was where I belonged.
David introduced me to friends he grew up with. One in particular was his pal, Jean. Lucky for me, she accepted me and became my friend. Jean and her entire family treated me as if I were family.
This morning, as I write, we are together again.
Jean lives in Wyoming and once a year I make the journey here so that we can reconnect for a time.
Those young moms who first met forty plus years ago are now well seasoned grandmothers and far wiser than they once were.
Today our conversation is filled with so many memories. We count our decades long friendship among our many blessings.
No matter how old you become the friendships you have made in this life hold a place in your heart.
So, here I am forty plus years later still cherishing time with my friend.
While we once talked about the babies we were raising, we now talk about grandkids and great grandkids. Instead of seeking exciting things to do we are content to sit and visit.
Sharing memories, laughing at our now old bodies, taking the stairs carefully and one at a time we have come full circle. The main event is that we are together again to celebrate once again that we are alive.
As the old saying goes; Old age is not for sissies. We are not sissies. We have both been knocked down a few times. But we keep getting up. Admittedly sometimes we need some help, but we keep trying.
That is the key to life. Hold on to your faith, appreciate the world and the friendships around you. To realize you still have that bond after forty plus years is a gift. We are blessed.
Life is good today.