This entry of my blog isn't going to feature culinary recipes, but a tried and true human recipe to enable you to cultivate friendships and maintain them for life. Simply put, if you want a friend, you need to be one first.
Two events in September, highlighted how friends come together and will put themselves 'all in' for those they love.
The first example of this was my niece, Crystal's, wedding. Like her dad, she's always put herself out for people. I think it's trait that runs in my family because we have many others that are just like them. The support she and her husband, Todd, received was unbelievable. From the photographer to makeup, people stepped up happily and willingly. Why? Because good friends are there for each other.
Mrs. and Mr. Emery
I volunteered to make the wedding cake, but relied on an old friend to make these gorgeous fondant flowers!
Another highlight of the wedding was seeing my 86 year-old mother taking in all of the excitement of being with her family and sharing in the fun. She initially thought it might be too much for her to attend because of her health, but she was one of the last to leave!!! Rumor has it, she caught the bouquet!
The father of the bride , Alan, and my mom, Evelyn
The second event that resonated the value of true friends was last weekend. Our son, Ben, and his wife , Bree are joining my youngest son as full time ministers serving in Nicaragua. They will be gone for six months. We threw them a going away party and the support we received was off the charts. First, some sweet girls came to help with the set up the night before. The theme was a country hoe down!!
Friends came with drinks!
Friends came with crockpots!
Friends came with desserts!
With everyone's help, it made for an evening of laughter and great food.
I even had a friend bring me a private hostess gift .....a bottle Gnarly Head red wine!!!!
At the end of the day, I became more convinced that I truly have the some of the best friends a person could want. It made me think of a question on a job application I filled out recently. The question was 'how many people can you count on in case of an emergency?' I checked off the box that had 10 or more. If it would of asked for more, I could have honestly checked it. I mentioned that to one of my girlfriends that night and she said , 'People are giving back to you what you do for them'. Bottom line, the kind of friend we want, we need to be THAT kind of friend to others. Simple statement. Offer ourselves willingly and out of love, expecting nothing in return. If we do that, we will reap a lifetime friendships.
Ben and Bree had about 70 friends, young and old, who came to send them off on their 6 month journey. We look forward to hearing about their experiences, along with our son, Sam.
We are planning a trip to visit in November. I'm hoping to learn a few new recipes to share with you.
In the meantime, I'm looking forward to making more memories. Regardless of life's challenges, my goal is to continue to strive to be a better Christian, friend, mother, wife, sister, daughter, etc., never forgetting to give plenty of love and laughter along the way.
Ben, Bree, Me, David, Kayla, Sam, and granddaughter, Ashle
