Saturday, July 28, 2007

Old Friends, New Friends


"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."
- Abraham Lincoln




In the past week, I've had the joy of being with two of my "old" friends, and also meeting a new friend. I'm the type of person that HAS to have friends. I've found that to be more true the longer I live! Anyway, pictured above is me and my new friend, Christine! I actually made her acquaintance through my old friend, Lanee'. One Sunday, a few months back, Lanee' called and said "I've met a girl on our road that has PPCM." As she told me about Christine, I realized I had found someone that I could talk to. She is close to my age, a Mom to three, and was diagnosed right after the birth of her youngest. We emailed for some time, and then got to meet each other for the first time at Brianna's birthday party. What a joy! We found out after talking that Caleb and Abagail were both 15 mo. old. Here's the interesting twist...they both were born on April 20th.


Her oldest girl Megan and Lauren became fast friends! They are not quite a year apart in age. Megan shares my Mom's birthday!

"A friend is one who walks in when others walk out"






And here I am with my dear friend Lanee". We became friends while I was expecting with Lauren. I'm still not sure if I'm happy or sad that she broke the "Nancy-Lanee" spell. And what exactly is that? Well, this is how ours lives have coincided. Chris and I were married in June "97. She and Aaron in July '98. I had Lauren in July 2000. Brianna was born in July 2001. Michael came along in June '02 and Logan was born in Aug. '03. I lost my m-i-l to cancer just 3 years ago. She lost her m-i-l to cancer just 2 years ago. I had Caleb in April 2006 and a few months later I learned she was expecting again. I was pretty certain she would have a boy....but alas...she had to go and break the spell! Danielle was born on July 2nd this summer. It's been lots of fun sharing these memories together.

"Life is partly what we make it, and partly what is made by the friends whom we choose."
- Tehyi Hsieh


"Good friends come and good friends go, but only the best friends stick around forever."




This is my friend Rebecca who I was able to spend the day with after not seeing each other for almost 3 years! We manage to stay in touch mostly by phone. and it seems every time we see each other, we just pick up where we left off. We have been friends since I was around 13 or 14. We were in each others' weddings, and have shared many memories, happy and sad, over the years. In talking together this last time, we realized that since neither of us had a sister, maybe we fulfill that role for each other. I can't say for sure because I've never had a sister, but if I could choose one, it probably would be Rebecca!!





Rebecca and her little doll, Kaitlyn! She is 7 mo. old. The jumper she's wearing used to belong to Lauren. I almost have a hard time believing MY little girl used to wear that! It's such a joy though, to see her with her little girl. After 3 boys, she finally has a girl.




."Piglet sidled up behind Pooh. "Pooh," he whispered. "Yes, Piglet?" "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you."
- Winnie-the-Pooh


Although there are other close friends that deserve mention, just know I treasure you all very much! It's also been a blessing to have great sister-in-laws who just happen to be my friends too!. Just want you to know, even if we weren't related, I'd still choose you for my friends!
Hope you all have a WONDERFUL day!



10 comments:

Lanee M. said...

Nancy I've told you before, but I'll tell you again, I don't know what I would do without your friendship. I'm so glad to have someone to call and talk to and have someone that I have so much in common with. :) Our friendship means more than you can imagine.
Loved having you here, please don't take so long to come back again. :) Lanee'

Les said...

What a sweet tribute to your friends. I'm like you, I need friends in my life too.

Angie D said...

As I get older, I appreciate my friends a lot more. Yours sound like real treasures...

Jana said...

Very, Very nice post. I had no idea you shared so much with Lanee'. Very neat!!!

Martha C said...

Love the top quote! It is no wonder that I like Mr. Lincoln so much.
What a thoughtful post. It's neat that you were able to meet a new friend that has shared some of the same physical struggles as you.
Thanks for being my friend and reaching out to me when I first arrived at GBS. After I moved here, I came across some cards you had written me; they were very kind!

Kendall and Leanna said...

I can't believe you waited until the last paragraph to mention your sil's. :) JK! Great post. I liked the pictures so that now I can put faces to the names I hear.

Tamra said...

What would we do without our friends? I'm blessed with many.

Brenda said...

What a neat post on Friends. I love the quote from Winnie the Pooh!

Anonymous said...

Hello! I have been trying to get in touch with Rebecca Paulus and saw her picture on your blog; can you send me her e-mail? Thanks,
Pam@hsflorida.com

snakesnailsbuttonsnbows said...

Many people will walk in and out of your life. But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Thanks for being a true friend to me!!! It sounds like you have been blessed by having MANY friends. YOU are wealthly in friends and what more could you ask for?? Bec
PS Pam gotcha!!