Thursday, June 21, 2012

WE GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS

MY NEEDY, BUT OH SO SWEET CALICO ROXY

MAKE NEW FRIENDS
BUT KEEP THEE OLD
ONE IS SILVER
BUT THE OTHER'S GOLD
I remember singing the above verse after every Brownie and Girl Scout meeting when I was in Troop 107. All of us "flew up" together so our troop number and membership remained constant throughout our scouting years. Today, scouting songs and pledges might seem corny to some, but Brownie and Girl Scout troops were where I first learned how valuable friends were. True friends never forget about us though years and distance might cause separation. I have a true friend in Deanna who lives 2 hours away but our busy family lives, and living so many miles apart, keep us from visiting as much as we'd like. Deanna and I talk on the phone every week though, and we yearn to be neighbors. We share hopes and dreams, good times and bad times, and couldn't be closer if we were sisters. Yesterday I was blessed with a visit from two other true friends who don't live far from me, but for whatever reason, our paths seldom cross. Anna is a sweet and talented young woman who went to school with my daughter. Her mother, Judy, is just as sweet and talented. She and I became friends through our girls. Every time we three see each other,  the rapport is instantaneous and it's almost as if time hasn't passed. We're never at a loss for conversational topics because we like similar things and share a love for animals. Anna and Judy love cats and wanted to visit mine. My needy little calico named Roxy instantly fell in love with Anna and would not leave her alone. In fact, Roxy lept from the floor to Anna's shoulder twice during our visit in the cat barn. Anna was a very good sport even though Roxy was relentless. After a "tour" of this old house, we lingered over lunch and my dear friends allowed me to share my many misadventures and frustrations regarding my mother's health challenges. They were understanding and supportive and when our visit ended, I had to wonder why I'd let so much time elapse since our last encounter. We vowed to keep in touch and affirmed that life is far too short to not take every opportunity to gather with our friends. Thank you Anna and Judy for a wonderful afternoon and for reminding me what true friendship is.  

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Friends are precious, and give our lives such loving depths~! I was a girl scout also~ ♥♥♥

Kady said...

How true, Cathy. I still remember all the things I learned through scouting and am grateful for those lessons.

Merilyn said...

What a lovely post Kady! It's true, friends are what make our lives meaningful, to share and be heard, supported, and support and care in return!!

Unknown said...

You are right. I was only in Brownies for one year when I was a child but I was a Girl Scout leader for eleven years. That organization teaches really important things to the girls (and leaders). My co-leader is still my best friend and both of our girls are grown women now in their 30s. I think it lays the basis for good grounded relationships for the rest of their years. So glad you had a good visit from your friends! Hugs!

Cat Haven Craft House said...

Friends and cats ... like couldn't be better! My mom had a cast iron trivet with that saying on it. I think she got it in an Amish shop in Lancaster PA years ago!

Kady said...

Merilyn, I do hope I was as good a listener to my dear friends as they were for me but sometimes after I expound about my mother I wish I'd held back a bit. I think true friends understand though.

Kady said...

Jill, I truly admire you for being a Girl Scout leader for 11 years. Another friend and I did that jointly for our daughters' troop when they were without a leader but it was only for a short time. It takes a lot of love and effort to take that on. Scouting does lay good foundations. I wish every child had the opportunity to join a scout group.

Kady said...

Indeed....spending time with good friends and cats is a little bit of Heaven here on earth. That trivet sounds really cute.

Anonymous said...

Kady every post I read you and I have something else in common. I am a really old time scout 46 uears!!!!!! I have made sooooo many friends in scouting it is hard to believe..So happy it gave you forever friends also.. SANDI.

Kady said...

Sandi, I really appreciate you stopping by and reading my ramblings. I think many of us who frequent blogs do have lots in common - cats and crafts are two things that come to mind. I am in awe of your history in scouting. That is fantastic!

Margaret said...

What a great post! I am a Daisy leader who is now bridging in October to Brownies with my 15 girls. We have created strong bonds and had so much fun while learning and being proactive in our community. Have a great day!

Maggie-Maggie's Lil' Fixins

Kady said...

Thank you Maggie. It's heartwarming to read about so many who are still involved in scouting and some who have a long history with scout groups and activities. You, and others like you, are shaping the futures of young women in positive ways and that's wonderful.