Years ago my dad and some of his buddies had a hunting camp not far from where Larry and I live now. It wasn't much - just an old railroad hut they had purchased cheap and moved to some farmland. We spent a lot of time there in the summer, and often some of the other families would come at the same time for a work day or just to have a picnic together. Now when I say that the camp was on farmland, I mean as in dairy farm. We shared the "lawn" with dairy cows. Be careful where you step!
Anyway, a couple of the families had children about the same age as my brother, sister, and I; so it was always fun when we were all together. In particular, my friend Janet was the big sister I never had. Just a year older than I was, I loved everything about her including the things she liked and did. We were in Girl Scouts together, loved our troll dolls and the Green Ghost game, Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees, Dr. Spock and Star Trek, The Man from U.N.C.L.E, and countless other things. When we were at the hunting camp, we pretended we were the Adams Family; and as creepy as it sounds, we used old cow bones and skulls to decorate our pretend houses in the thorn bushes. Looking back, I'm thinking we were a couple of freakshows on wheels; but we had a ball together.
As oftentimes happens with childhood friends, we grew apart once junior high arrived. Because of the connection with our parents, we knew what the other one was up to. I was at her wedding with my parents. Still today I think it was one of the most beautiful weddings I've attended.
A couple months ago, Janet's folks sent me this picture of my dad and hers from when they were in China together during the war. And when I sent the thank you note to them, I mentioned Janet and hoped that she was well. Several weeks later I got a beautiful note from her that just blessed my heart. You know, I realize that people can't always be tight friends; but a note from out of the blue is just about one of the nicest things to give or receive.
I have an old high school friend that lives only a mile around the corner from Julie and Travis. I need to get ahold of her and relive some of that craziness. How about you? Is there someone in your past that would be just tickled to get a note from you?
7 comments:
This is sweet Mary...I think very typical of you, to value friendships! I feel that "old" friends or "new" friends will always cherish your friendship. I am sure the letter is to be treasured by you...old friendship renewed ~ enjoy! Blessings to you for your week from one PA gal to antoher!
How sweet! What an endearing and touching story, Mary! I love my computer but lots of times I long for those hand written letters and cards that I received from friends back in the day. I loved them so much, that I've always held onto them. Now more than ever with the day and age that we live in, those hand written letters are meant to be treasured! How sweet that you have been able to keep up with your friend all these years. I am thankful that God blesses us with friendships. And I'm thankful for you Mary, my blog friend sister in Christ! Have a delightful week~
How lovely to have such a nice photo full of memories.
A very touching story! There is nothing quite like those hand written notes. Just don't see many of them these days. So this is a great reminder... now, hmmmm, who to reconnect with?? :) -Tammy
I do and what a great winter's day project. I still send get well cards, thank you notes, etc. in this computer age. There is still nothing like gettin' a real letter from someone you care about. Now this Ozarks farm chick is gonna pull out the note cards and stationary and make some surprise contacts.
Ya'll have a wonderfully blessed day in the Lord!!!
I love that picture! I'm not on Facebook (YET) but they say you come across all kinds of people from school, growing up, etc. Those sound like some great memories ~ ♥
Yes, there is a friend that I would love to hear from. I have been on the giving end much more than the receiving end in the past two years. I am starting to wonder......... Not that I need to receive anything nearly like I have given, but even a "hi, how are you?" text message would be nice. I've been thinking of her a lot lately so to read your blog on this particular day is very serendipitous.
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