Catching up

Last night, the SO and I went to dinner with some friends we have known since Child A and Child B were small.  I refuse to OLD friends, but they are indeed, very dear friends.  We had not seen them in years (literally), but it was just like old times.  We played a little catch u  p, what are your kids doing now, my kids are doing....  Work is good, etc. 

I guess what delighted me was that we just picked up where we left off.  We are all more articulate and understanding than we used to be (at least I am).  We got to dinner at 1730 (that's 5:30 PM to those of you not used to military time) and talked until almost 2000.  The food was wonderful.  The company was better. 

I love friends who know the good and bad in you and still love you.  Some one you can talk about politics and religion and still remain friends.  (Those kinds of friends are rare indeed!)  I don't even like to talk politics with the SO.....   They had spent the day listening to speeches by Christian martyrs.  I would guess that would put my problems into perspective......  I haven't been shot at for loving Jesus.... Have you?

Friends......  Another of my long time friends, whom I have known for at least 20 years, told me that it is nice to have my smiling face back at the hospital.  I feel the same about her.  She used to tell me that I did not give my kids enough for holidays - I told her she was always over the top on holidays.  She told me to learn to iron - I told her that the condition of my pants did not indicate the knowledge in my head.  She is one of the few people who tells me what she thinks and I can listen. 

Another long time friend, told me that she was so proud of me and that she was blessed to have known me.  This friend believed in my when I was feeling very low and gave me a chance to excel.  She encouraged me.  She gave me wings.  She blessed me and loved me and I will always have a special place in my heart for her. 

When I die, I want a party for my friends and family.  I want songs and love and happiness because that is what I try to portray everyday of my life.  I want people to sit around and tell funny stories about my many times in the ankle boot (3 to date).  I want you to remember the good in me.  The good I did.  The best things about me.  I want you to forget those things I failed at.  They are gone and I will be as well, so only remember the best.  I hope that will make your life better, because you have made mine better in just that way.

Thank you.