Friends – New and Old

Everyone left today.  The pictures are no longer filled with their beautiful presence. But don’t think this is about loss or I’m being melancholy, this is simply the quiet interlude before the next adventure. . . .

It’s funny how bittersweet the leaving can be. While we all knew this weekend would come to a close, that we’d all have get back to our own individual lives, it’s kind of a shock when it actually arrives. Not a bad thing really, just a re-adjust.

I had two precious friends who came from North Carolina and spent the weekend at my house. I also had another friend that lives here who came also.  Kimberly Ann is one who came from North Carolina and she and I had met on Facebook but had never met face to face before. When she arrived, I didn’t have any idea what to expect but I found out right away that she is a riot and even more fun than I  could have guessed in my wildest dreams; she is definitely fun-sized indeed. She’s big folks! I can’t wait to see how our relationship will grow and what paths it will take. Thank you so much for coming Kim. The trust you placed in us to keep you save, to love you unconditionally and to accept you as the beautiful woman of God that you are, is almost overwhelming; almost. Thank you for that. You are beautiful.

KK, also hailing from North Carolina, is someone I met back in 2009 on Facebook and became an instant friend. We began talking on the phone and on Facebook, getting to know one another better. In 2012 she and another Facebook friend came and spent a week with me, (us). It was the first time we met face to face and I have to tell you; having KK back in my house blessed me so much! She is so kind, wise and such a joy to be around. I guess that’s why she signs everything, Kindly Karen. (Smile). She and I have shared so many trials and victories over the years. She knows what being a sister is all about. If you ever need an intercessor with clear vision and an ever expanding heart, KK is your girl.  I love her so…..

Mary who lives here and is part of our home group is a very special friend. I was so happy that she was able to come and spend 2 days with us. She had gotten to meet KK back in 2012 and was looking forward to meeting up with her again too. It was a great reunion for them.  One thing I can tell you about Mary is that she is one of the most compassionate people I know. She has such love in her touch, her voice and even the words she chooses. Don’t get me wrong; she’s a pistol and it’s one of my favorite things about her, it’s the side she most often shows. That is what is so wonderful about her; when that love and compassion comes out it is so breathtaking and beautiful, and yes sometimes almost unexpected. I’ve learned so much from just being around her. She is a deep deep well and is certainly one of my most favorite people on the planet.

Mary left after 10 pm last night and we were pretty sad to have to see her go. KK and Kimberly and I ended up staying awake and talking until well after 1 am. Argh….the 5:30 alarm was not going to be a welcome noise in the morning. The North Carolina girls had a long journey ahead of them and were planning on leaving early.

Leave taking was put off by sitting and drinking coffee for a couple more hours before saying our final goodbyes; for this adventure anyway.

And then they were gone. What remained were memories and a deeper bond of love that cannot be stolen. The house seems quieter now; girls can be so loud in their merriment and love.

And you know what? I wouldn’t change a thing about this weekend, except I would stop time if I could. What a joy all three of these women are! What passion and strength they exude! If you don’t know them…..you should make it a point to change that.