Friendship

"Much of the vitality in a friendship lies in the honoring of differences, not simply in the enjoyment of similarities." 

We had a book club, my friends and I. Often our time together became one of sharing the mundane and the unusual in our daily lives while the book discussion was relegated to the end of the evening. But that was Ok with this beautiful diverse group of women. It wasn't so much the intensity of our conversations that built such a strong bond between us, but rather the honoring of each others' soul. 

Pat Russell (holding the pumpkin) was in the fight of her life on this evening several years ago. For 5 years she was in constant treatment for cancer - but always living life to the fullest, smiling through the pain, and sharing with us her gift of wisdom. She died bravely and left an incredible emptiness in our hearts for a very long time. I think of this faith-filled woman often these days, remembering how she walked lightly on this earth, treating everyone she encountered with love and reverence. I hope I can leave behind such a legacy.

"True friends are never forgotten. They live within our hearts and souls forever, and always dancing on our stage of memories."