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The Gift of Friendship
May 5, 2012
Friendship is communicated in so many ways.
In this season, where I feel alone in this journey of adventure and am having to grow and stretch outside my comfort zone in so many ways, I treasure these gifts.
I treasure you.
A box of books in the mail. Along with a lovely note.
A handknit toque I wasn't expecting, but needed for spring hiking and backpacking (I've been borrowing Céline's).
"I've got a book to lend you," e-mails in my inbox.
Maple syrup from the neighbors. 30 lbs of tomatoes. An impromptu dinner invite. Then another and another.
A friend who "listens" over e-mail, as a I pour out my fears. And she understands. Truly gets it because she lives it too. And she doesn't say "you're crazy" or "I could never do that" or "that must be so hard" (which would cast more doubt in my already fearful heart) but "you can do this Renee".
"Come visit us in Montréal."
An non-resident library card, purchased on our behalf, so we can e-lend more books. Can never have enough books!
Talking on the phone with a friend I met here at FIMBY who lives far away, but in the part of this country where I was born and bred (that prairie sky and soil is in my bones). A friend I've never met but someone I connect with deeply on all that matters most to me - my faith and family.
A place to stay, on a lake, by the mountains on a future trip to Maine. An invite from perfect strangers.
So many gifts. I'm sorry if I've missed yours in this list.
Friendship. Community. Love. Acceptance.
It has been shown and communicated to me in so many ways. I'm acknowledging that here, publicly, for my sake and yours.
Filed Under
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kyndale on May 5, 2012, 10:16 p.m.
You are loved Renee!
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Catherine Forest on May 6, 2012, 1:21 a.m.
You give so much to this community (and to your physical community too, I imagine!). You deserve this so, so much!
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Karen on May 7, 2012, 11:18 a.m.
I'm so grateful to hear of your friendship gifts - "perfect" strangers blessing you in such tangible ways. What a beautiful model wearing that new toque (I love the pattern). Love, Mom
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Jill on May 7, 2012, 5:45 p.m.
Undoubtedly, you are reaping what you have sown :)
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Carol in NM on May 7, 2012, 6:02 p.m.
I enjoy your posts so very much. This one is especially heart warming because sometimes it's difficult to navigate in this world when you think that you are in the boat by yourself. Then suddenly someone hops in and helps you row for a while and faith in our fellow travelers is renewed. You just hopped in my boat with this post and I thank you. I noticed one of the books in the stack is "Anum Cara". That is a Celtic term for "Soul Friend". So fitting as I believe you are a soul friend to many of us out here in the big wide world. Much gratitude to you for sharing your journey with us, and I wish you safe travels and soft landings as you continue on your path.
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Charity on May 5, 2012, 4:45 p.m.
It was so encouraging to read this and hear how you are being loved by so many different people! What a terrific blessing!