Wherever my boyfriend went, there she was. She smiled and flirted for all she was worth not seeming to care that I was watching. Something had to be done. Of course this was back when I was too young to understand that all the girls in the world should be able to flirt with my man; it's how he would react that is important.
So, in the manner of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer, I decided to become her friend. Thus was the beginning of a great friendship. We discovered many things in common and had lots and lots of fun together. And you guessed it, long after the man was gone, Gloria and I remained firm friends.
One of the things we shared in common was that we were born within hours of each other. It's only fitting that I would think of her today on the anniversary of our birth. Gloria died in 1976 from a brain aneurysm. It was a very traumatic, heart-breaking time for me. I thank God often, though, for the wonderful friend that he gave me--if even for a few short years. Psalm 37:4 says that God will give us the desires of our heart. Doesn't God have a wonderful sense of humor? All along I was thinking that the guy was the desire of my heart.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Fat Clothes
It's such a great feeling to be able to pull on a pair of new jeans in a smaller size and to have them fit. I know, I've experienced it in the past and have high hopes of doing so again -- someday. I wonder what most people do with their fat clothes. I've always given my nice ones away as a donation to some place that will do whatever it is they do with them.
In the not so distant past I have been the lucky recipient of cast-off fat clothes from more than one of my friends and acquaintances. It's been kind of hard to wrap my head around these "gifts" which I wasn't brave enough to even try on. Will the givers be upset when they see that I'm not wearing their clothes? Will I tell these givers that I've passed their stuff off to another fat, but anonymous and unsuspecting woman?
At first, I was affronted to be the person who came to mind when a newly skinny friend thought to herself: Now, to which fat person should I give the clothes I can't wear anymore? But after praying for forgiveness for unkind and revengeful thoughts, I have remembered that only God knows the intentions of the heart. I am choosing to be thankful for friends who want to do something that they feel is nice for me. And should the happy occasion arise, I promise that my fat clothes will fade away into the VAST unknown.
In the not so distant past I have been the lucky recipient of cast-off fat clothes from more than one of my friends and acquaintances. It's been kind of hard to wrap my head around these "gifts" which I wasn't brave enough to even try on. Will the givers be upset when they see that I'm not wearing their clothes? Will I tell these givers that I've passed their stuff off to another fat, but anonymous and unsuspecting woman?
At first, I was affronted to be the person who came to mind when a newly skinny friend thought to herself: Now, to which fat person should I give the clothes I can't wear anymore? But after praying for forgiveness for unkind and revengeful thoughts, I have remembered that only God knows the intentions of the heart. I am choosing to be thankful for friends who want to do something that they feel is nice for me. And should the happy occasion arise, I promise that my fat clothes will fade away into the VAST unknown.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Baby Talk
Now that my daughter's friends are having babies, it seems only natural that our conversations of late have encompassed all manner of pregnancy, parenting, and choosing baby names.
This baby-naming talk led me to remember when my daughter was born. My dad had decided that my husband Stan and I (known as Con by my family and friends) should name her Opal so that the three of us could be referred to as Constantinople.
Dad was so pleased with himself for this bit of wit; he always had a quick comeback for everything. The two of us had such fun trying to outdo each other in the witty department. He died sixteen years ago and I still miss him so much. He certainly was not the perfect parent, but I realize how very fortunate I was to always be assured of his love.
When it comes right down to it, most of us will agree that the hardest part of having babies is actually doing the parenting. In truth this is the most difficult job most of us will ever have to do. No matter how well one has prepared, the only sure way to attempt this awesome task is to look to the ultimate Father, the Giver of unconditional love.
This baby-naming talk led me to remember when my daughter was born. My dad had decided that my husband Stan and I (known as Con by my family and friends) should name her Opal so that the three of us could be referred to as Constantinople.
Dad was so pleased with himself for this bit of wit; he always had a quick comeback for everything. The two of us had such fun trying to outdo each other in the witty department. He died sixteen years ago and I still miss him so much. He certainly was not the perfect parent, but I realize how very fortunate I was to always be assured of his love.
When it comes right down to it, most of us will agree that the hardest part of having babies is actually doing the parenting. In truth this is the most difficult job most of us will ever have to do. No matter how well one has prepared, the only sure way to attempt this awesome task is to look to the ultimate Father, the Giver of unconditional love.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)