Facebook Thing

Well…I must admit…like a lot of women…as the big day approaches…the “B” day…I start to have a sense of dread. The words “how did I get this old” tend to be heard coming out of my mouth. Since the age of 30…this has been a common, yearly ritual. Now don’t get me wrong..I don’t need to go on Prozac or be on suicide watch..but my otherwise “jubilant” walk turns into more of a “trudge” as the big day approaches.

Then Facebook came along ! The first year I was on..it didn’t really dawn on me that when I entered my birth date in the Info. Box, that the entire Facebook world would know that indeed I DO age…EVERY stinkin’ year !! Oh joy :/ But then, I started getting wished “Happy Birthdays” from all parts of the country and this dreaded day took on an entirely new face. Oh, don’t worry…I still hate getting older…but it’s just a little less painful. Now I look forward to hearing from so many of my friends scattered from here to there.

As the wishes started pouring in this week..I began to notice a trend. My phone would vibrate…I would open the message and read precious words just for me. I would see the name of the sender and my mind would immediately, subconsciously, jump to another time and another place. For a moment I was transported to a specific time in my life where myself and said friend had become connected. It’s like having a HUGE virtual scrapbook and I’m flipping through the pages of my life as fast as I can. From Jackie, my first elementary school crush (sorry Jackie..the story must be told..haha) who never knew this buck-toothed, freckled face, Laura Ingall’s looking girl existed, to high school friends, college friends, staff member’s we’ve worked with, people we’ve pastored, youth/adults I’ve coached in drama...my school family…and all the wonderful people who surround me even now at this point in my life. Messages from so many wonderful people.
While processing this, I started to think of all the people who have left their “fingerprint” on my life. Somehow…some way… they have influenced, encouraged, supported, tolerated or befriended me over the years and have never let go. And maybe..just maybe…I have left my “fingerprint” on a few along the way.

When I start to view the big “B” day in light of that…how can I not be completely overjoyed at the richness of my 47 years of life?? And while yes…I am getting older.. if I have the privilege of living yet another 47 years (God willing)…how exciting to think of how many more faces I can add to that scrapbook. The new faces that will come along and take me on a whole new adventure..while I’m still holding on to all of you who have held on to me for so long.

Thanks to everyone who has been a part of the journey……and for those I have yet to meet………….. LOOK OUT…I am a “little” on the sassy side ! 
Kinda thinkin’ I’m kinda a fan of this… Facebook Thing…..
~G

Forever Friends

"Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same".

My life has been quite interesting over the past year and a half. People from my past have been popping in and out of my life so often...I sort of feel like a revolving door. It's funny...people you thought you would be super close to...you barely hear from. Then other's pop up and all of a sudden you have rekindled a great friendship.

But what I've really learned to do is how to separate "just friends" from "forever friends". Let me explain. I had a guy from high school that I was very close with. I wanted to see him really bad...but he didn't want to come to the reunion...but wanted to see me too. So we met..had coffee..and rekindled that friendship. And just because I asked nicely..he showed up at the reunion anyway..just for me.. = Forever Friend =)

Tonight I got a call from a guy I worked for in Mobile when I was 19. He also attended my church. Through working together..we became very close. Over the years...he has tracked me down..no matter where I was living..to call me up...chat about life...to tell me that he told my mom "I was his first" haha...and that he loved me. Rekindled friendship = Forever Friend =)

I group chat with two of my girlfriends from high school..twice a week now..just to keep up with, love & support one another. Rekindled friendship = Forever Friend.

I have been blessed in my life with people who have gone to great lengths to see me...keep up with me...and love on me. The older I get..the more I realize...who belongs in which category of "just friends" or "forever friends". I don't have many...but for the few I do...they are priceless.

Take this wonderful Thanksgiving season to remind each and every one of your "forever friends" of just how special they are to you.

"Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget".