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.
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Connie, as you might recall, I had a similar experience with a girl in high school. She and I aren't close now, but we aren't constantly glaring at each other, either. So I'd say it's an improvement. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, of course, I got the man.
I enjoyed this...and I was sad to read about Gloria. All of us can identify with losing someone too soon. Some of us sooner than others.
Thankfully, we have HOPE that many do not. And I am forever grateful for that.
I got the man, and after I did, others would tell me what a great guy he is. I already knew that. He was always willing to help others when they needed something fixed or help moving something. And again they would tell me what a great guy he is. Fortunately, I knew he was mine and I wasn't worried. After 31 years together, he's still mine, for which I am very grateful!
ReplyDeleteI remember you talking about Gloria and what a good friend she was. I think it's wonderful that you, albeit initially for the wrong reasons, befriended her and came to realize the friendship was important. Too often people wait too late and lose a potentially great friendship in the process.
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