What Season Are You?

People come and people go. But some stay. Forever. These memories I can't replace. One of those people is my dearest and longest friends D. She was recently here after a much needed visit. Long over due. I'm sitting here today feeling, well, a bit nostalgic and also sad. We laughed until we pee'd looking at old photo albums and sucking on the grape. What was up with that big hair and those oh so big sunglasses?! They really were in style back then--really.

As I stroll down memory lane I've realized that I have some pretty amazing friends whom I love and adore. Sometimes I take them for granted. Life too for that matter. I know I'm so lucky to be surrounded by such quality people and loved by such great friends, unconditionally.

D. and I dated best friends in high school. Football player's. We double dated and attended prom together. We spent every waking hour at one another's home. We were in one another's weddings. We have vacationed with the same group of friends over the past 20+years. Over the years the late nights have gotten shorter. *snicker* There was that year in New Orleans (you remember D....)where we even caught David Letterman on the telly back in our hotel room and we were all in our nighties and under the covers! No not together you crazy people. Not quite the night owls we once were slingin' back shots and dancing the night away to Madonna's "Vogue". Those were the days.....Yes, we grew up together. Thank g-d we grew up and got some fashion sense. I smile when I think about us now at *cough* 39(oh shut-up--it's my story) and where we'll be at 59. WE have shared in one another's joys, promotions, secrets,heart aches and disappointments. She has never judged. A trait that I admire. Yes, I truly admire her. You see my friend has a very rare eye disease which cost her a successful 20+ year career that she loved passionately. She worked for one of the largest food giants in the country at a time where it was a mans world. She worked her way to the top and not on her back. She was well respected in her field. Unfortunately this disease will eventually cost her her eye sight. The ability to drive. Her freedom. I know she must be fearful (although she doesn't show it) about the unknown especially knowing that her mother is in the advanced stages of the disease and her 15 year old daughter was diagnosed several years ago. However through it all she has never complained. She's taken it all in stride. She is so brave. She is lucky too. She has friends who love her and an awesome husband and a beautiful daughter.

Ironic that today when I was feeling blue and a bit lonely I opened my e-mail and she had sent the attached poem. Lifetime, that's what she is. I love her and I love what we have become. True friends. Lifetime friends. Family. Thank you D for always being there for me.

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a god send and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.


LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind! but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

What are you? A Reason? A season? Or a Lifetime"?