Like family, friends have great importance in our lives. They help shape our future selves. They hold the keys to our past secrets and if they are true friends they leave them safely locked away. Through the sands of time they come to accept us for who we are even though they know the parts of ourselves we have tried to leave behind. They help us through hard times and rejoice in the good times; loving us more as we grow and change. Life-long friends bring so much joy and fun to our lives and those friendships become even more special as we each welcome children into our lives.
Last week we spent some quality time my college friend and his family on their visit to Missouri from Germany. Since Jon and I became friends on my first day on campus, he and I have shared lots of laughs (most of them at my expense as he is such a comedian) and fun adventures. As soon as we were each matched up with our respective spouses and on the way towards being parents, we talked about how fun it was going to be watching our children grow up and hoped that they would have a special friendship despite the miles.
These summer visits have always been a highlight for me but now that we have families, they have become even more fun as we get to know each other's spouses and children. Jon and Kara have two beautiful children; a boy, Max, three years old and a girl, Micah, six months old. This was our first chance to meet the baby, but Sage and Max have spent time together in previous summers. We were excited about our visit and Sage, who has repeatedly looked at a map in the last year looking for "Germany, where Max-y lives," couldn't be contained.
I am always amazed to watch the coming together of children and how openly loving they are towards each other; this meeting was no exception. Even though a whole year has passed since our last get together Sage and Max welcomed each other with open arms and they acted like they were life-long friends. HA, OK, technically they are life-long friends, but I mean that they understand the importance of friendship. My point is that they didn't feel the need to restrain themselves from showing their excitement at spending time with each other. As they bounced through the Science Center, lunch, the Zoo, and dinner at our house that day, they held hands, danced, sang, and screamed in laughter at all of the sights and activities. As they fully embraced the moment and the joy of being with loved ones without embarrassment or pretense I watched them in wonder. It made me think about all the times I have spent with my own treasured friends when I felt unable to express my joy and thankfulness for that special time for fear of how I'd look.
I make great efforts to avoid taking the simple things for granted. I work hard to let my husband and my daughter know how much I love and treasure them on a daily basis. I also try to be open with my family and friends about my love and gratitude for their presence in my life; but I'll admit that sometimes I let my desire to not look like a sappy fool get in the way. Max and Sage's open display of love and affection inspired me.
I'm not saying I am going to start running through the zoo holding hands with my grown friends, but I AM going to let go of the controls enough to open my heart and let my gratitude show to my friends. All three of my close friends from college live in other states/countries and I find that each year it is harder and harder for me to say goodbye after our wonderful visits. When this fact is added to my observation of the openness of the children it allowed me to feel my gratitude at an even deeper level than normal and of course, I cried like a baby when it was time to say goodbye. But for once, I wasn't embarrassed at my show of emotion. I allowed it to help me feel and express the deep love I have for these wonderful friends and to show my thanks for such a special visit.
Who would have guessed that a three and four year old could have taught me so much?
Taking time to be thankful for the special people in my life, I hope you will too!
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
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