December 22 Advent Gratitude

Today I went for a walk with my friend. She was the first friend I made in England; we met because our boyfriends were friends from university. I liked her warmth and spirit; from the very beginning she made me laugh.

Later those boyfriends became husbands. We ended up living in the same neighbourhood. Her son and daughter were born months before my son and daughter. We have been through stuff together – birth, death, heartbreak, triumph, comforting when needed, cheering each other on always. We have fought like sisters and made up like friends.

Today, stuff was going on. We talked and walked. Life shared with a friend over time becomes a story; the recount of the everyday takes on perspective. Someone is listening who knows your long arc as you know hers.

One of my students has started a business making gratitude journals. I bought four – for me, my daughter and two leftover. After the walk, we stopped at my house and I ran inside to get one for my friend.

Later she texted me to say she felt grateful for our friendship. Today – for her and for the women who have shared the long arc with me, I feel so grateful.