A DAY TO REMEMBER

This has been a wonderful day! Sunny,but fall-like jacket-weather, and we made a 45 minute drive through rock, fields, trees of varying colors, and little traffic up to the magnificent St. Croix River from Stillwater, MN to Taylor's Falls, MN.  But, the best of all, was seeing once again a childhood friend!


Her name is LaDonna, but I have called her Donna, the short version, for as long as I can remember. We met when we were in elementary school here in MN. Then, and all the way into our marriages, we have been close friends.  She knew Jerry from his and my beginning.  I knew her husband, Ray, as he was a schoolmate of ours. Her eldest son, Jeff, is our God-son.


I didn't have many friends, when I was young as we moved so many times....15 times in 15 years. But she made up for a multitude.  We were quite a pair.  As teenagers, we tried cigarettes and beer.  Of course!  And she had lots of boyfriends.  I didn't! She went to confirmation at her church; I didn't!


Yes, we were much the same, but still very, very different. When her family went on vacation, I went, too.  When I went to my Aunt Joyce's for a bit of summer fun, she went, too.


After Jerry and I moved to Arizona, Donna and I didn't see each other very much, but we always called the other when it was the other's birthday! I didn't realize what a gift that was until now, as it gave us the means to remember the other distinctly.  And now, both being 80 years plus, seeing Donna again was like old times, with no hemming or hawing around with each other.


Our hubbies get along well, too, and we met for lunch today, right beside the St. Croix River!  My favorite friend, my favorite River, and my favorite husband!  What a day!


When God blesses us with friends, even one friend, it's our job to take good care of the relationship. 
So, Dear Lord, I pray that my friend, Donna, her husband, Ray, and her children and grandchildren will be under your care, as I would so much like to see her again. At our age, we have to hope there will still be time for another visit....maybe in the spring.


Thank you for all your blessings to both families, Lord, and watch over us now and on into our lives in Eternity!


To all friends, and friends of friends..... a happy day in God's loving embrace!


Jo in MN