Lifetime Friends

It has almost been 11 years since I walked in a room full of strangers to attend my first MOPS meeting.  I had just moved back to my hometown with my husband and newborn a few months prior.  One of my mom's friends suggested I join this group as a new mom.....that it could be helpful.  Looking back I was overwhelmed.....Kate had colic, allergies, and just felt miserable which of course means a fussy baby and a stressed mommy.  My mom lovingly watched her so I could join this special group.  I remember being so nervous.....but this sweet lady met me at the door with a warm smile and greeted me so nicely.  (Her daughter is in Kate's class at school this year) She showed me to my table where I was assigned to a leader.  We had about ten women in our group and most of us were strangers.  As we met twice a month we shared stories and became close.  HOWEVER, there was one person( Mary) who I seemed to talk to more than the others and soon we were meeting and doing things together outside of our group.  Oh how little we knew about our paths merging at that point.

Now years later we have built so many memories between us......and often reflect on how God brought us together. We have spoken about the "what ifs."  What if one of us had attended the other session of MOPS....which I was supposed to...... but changed.  What if she  had never taken a chance and not invited me to a stamping/card making party. (do you remember that?)  We now know that there are no "what if's" and we are not in control.

I could write many posts about our friendship and probably will in the future.  Today though....I write about how we met and remind myself that is wasn't coincidental.   I lift her up with gratitude from my heart for all the times she has listened to me when I probably made no sense at all.  Thanking her for being a genuine friend to me.  Laughing at all that we have in common....yet appreciating our uniqueness.  She will in fact know why I chose today to write this post as only a best friend could.


I also write this as a reminder about how women need friendships with one another.  You may think that you don't have time or are afraid of getting hurt/rejected if you "open up" with a friend.  However...investing in friendship is HEALTHY!


The following information is from an article in Better Homes and Garden April issue.


"Levels of the toxic stress hormone cortisol drop precipitously when we find ourselves in the company of our friends and loved ones. If you layer in the physical touch of a friend, you also experience increased activity of the feel-good brain chemicals dopamine and oxytocin.  It can zap chronic stress-with potentially lifesaving results"......Dr. Stephen S. Ilardi, Ph.D...author of The Depression Cure.  Therefore.....it is smart to prioritize friendships.


This is dedicated to my friend, Mary.......whom I adore.

At the bowling alley.....hence the groovy seating. (no we aren't in a league....just took our kids for fun)