Hard to Find....

       "Truly Great Friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget." 


The two old women were puttering around busily in the kitchen. Age had taken its toll on their figures and their faces, but not on their sense of style. Both were dressed in black slacks one had a turquoise shirt with sparkling silver circles and a large silver circle necklace, while the other had on a white t-shirt and black jacket embellished with fake rhynstones. 


A familiar easiness existed between them, as they bantered back and forth about the best way to cut up the pizza they were preparing. Two daughters had come for a lunch, and both of the older women were excited. It was always nice to have family for food, and the girls wanted them to talk about their friendship. 


"We have known one another since the fifth grade," Dee said.
"I had grown up on a farm, in Ackron, when I and my family moved to the city." 
"I am younger than your mother, but we were in the same grade." 
They had shared the same Catholic school, so they had their faith in common. A religion they both still hold dear. 


"'When we figured out we only lived a block apart, we became fast friends." 
"We walked to school together." 


" Remember how we used to go to your house after school, sit on your bed upstairs and sing songs out of a paper songbook?"
" We did do that didn't we? We would sing at the top of our lungs," said Winnie. 


"Both of our families were poor."
 Something else they had in common. 
"Remember how we would share our clothes? That is not something we could do today." They both laughed at the thought.


"Your family was the family I never had. My parents were divorced and never around. I was pretty much on my own. I loved being around all of you," Winnie said with tears in her eyes. 
On and on they reminisced, sometimes prompted by a memory or sometimes prompted by a question from one of the daughters. 


"We moved across town when we were in the 10th grade," said Dee. "We went to different schools, and we lost touch with one another." 


"Years later your mom got a hold of me. She wanted me to see her new baby. She was so delighted. I remember what a cute baby you were," she looked at one of the daughters and smiled.

But again we lost touch, we were busy with our lives, 5 children, and husbands. 
"Many years later, I was impressed with the thought of calling your mom. I couldn't shake it, and when I called she told me your father was dying." 
"I so badly needed a shoulder to cry on. I needed a friend and you were there.
We have been together ever since," said Winnie and they both smiled knowingly at one another.


The Bible says that there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. A relationship like that is hard to find and a true blessing. These two women have such a friendship.


My sister and I traveled across town to visit with these two women. 
It was a great time with our mom and her friend.