Friends

Of all the things I have in this life, my friends are my greatest and truest wealth.

I'm not sure to whom that quote should be attributed, but it rings true.... as true as the groundwork we put into our lives, our relationships and our values.

A long-time friend of our family recently passed away... this was a dual-generational friend -- she was a friend of my Mom's, and I am a friend of her daughter.  While this is a loss to many who knew this wonderful lady, there were some silver linings that shone brightly the day of the funeral. I'm continually impressed at how these times tend to bring out the best in people despite the sadness....the richness of friends and family....

I smiled when the now-30-something grandson came over, unsolicited, to talk with my 84-year-old Mom... and their conversation turned to reminiscing about the times when she helped him with his reading skills and forming those pesky b's and d's of the alphabet.  I was equally impressed with the unconditional hugs and smiles from the other grandkids (now all with families of their own)... for example, the now-modelesque granddaughter who was giving as freely with her smile now as she was when I first met her when she was 2 years old.  Conversations with family friends revealed gems as well... the wonderful woman who was so gracious in sharing a story she'd heard from my niece, commenting on her love and appreciation for my late husband.... or my Mom who brought a smile to a friend because she'd thought to tuck a serviette with unique Newfoundland expressions in her purse for the next time she saw this Newfoundlander.

This week is a busy one for me... work and personal commitments, keeping dear friends in my prayers, and travelling geographical distances to be part of celebrations regarding life events.  Our lives are often like this... rushing from one thing to the next....busy....often barely thinking below the surface of what we're doing at the time.

Take a second -- or longer. Do things that you think of doing.... had your thoughts of writing a thank you card, baking and delivering some cookies ordering flowers, sending an email stopped with your initial thought? Do it! Your friends are worth that time -- and more.  We don't know what tomorrow holds... live today to its fullest and leave any potential regrets by the wayside....

Balance

There's something to be said about routine.  It's consistent, reliable... well, okay... routine! That's not to say time away from that set schedule isn't welcome.... sometimes more than you know... but it also helps to bring perspective to the established tasks that make up the most of our work days.

Summer was the reason for the absence of new posts on my blog. I was busy... really enjoyed the summer Olympics, and managed to accomplish quite a bit of knitting (three pairs of socks, a shawl or two and almost a whole sweater!) while enjoying the athleticism of the worlds' best.  It was a great time to connect with friends and family... more than a passing email or quick phone call.  And it was also restful. The only expectations were my own.

It's those moments that make you appreciate the time management skills and organizations you employ in your "regular life", but it also brings appreciation to the opportunities to reconnect with work colleagues and friends associated outside your close inner circle.

It is about balance... work / life balance.... family / friends balance..... tasks / enjoyment balance..... That is the balance I hope to retain in the months to come. I will be accountable for my own actions, be realistic in my expectations of others, and maintain the balance that keeps me healthy and happy.

My brother has a well-worn t-shirt that portrays an age-old joke. I smile every time I see it... the scene shows a Buddhist sitting in a pizzeria, and he says "Make me one with everything"....