Love Shared
LOVE SHARED
In November I celebrated 53 trips around the sun. I can’t believe it! I can still remember my 22nd birthday and the United Colors of Benneton skirt I wore to the club. (HOT!)
This year, I celebrated throughout the month with good food, drinks, and laughs. Along with celebrating my birthday this year, I also celebrated starting a new chapter in South Carolina.
This year, I learned the gift of presence is a wonderful gift. What do I mean by that? With all the cards, presents and gift cards I received, the time spent celebrating with family and friends topped it all.
Yes, the gifts were nice, the food I ate was even better, but I was most appreciative and grateful for the friends and family who reached out and spent time with me before my move.
Now, this is not a Sally Field Moment at the Oscars (if you don’t know click here). I have genuine gratitude to be surrounded by people who chose to spend a slither of time with me. Time spent over a meal or coffee just talking was priceless. Some people just wanted to give me a hug and say, “goodbye.” I realized the bonds I had created and was specifically surprised by the bonds I had created in Columbus during my eight years there.
The fact I had time with these people meant that there was a relationship. A bond was created. Sadly, there were friends I didn’t get time with and that made me sad.
These moments reminded me of people visiting my parents. My parents were famous for sitting on their porch, waving at all the people who drove by their black and white house on the corner of Whetsel Avenue and Luhn Street in the heart of Madisonville. Often, friends and family who drove by would park their cars and trek 25 steps to their porch to look at their faces and have a quick conversation. Many times, they were friends of ours, their children.
Whenever I called, they would share with me all the people they had seen come by and their life updates. I always thought that it was a blessing that people loved my parents and cared enough about them to stop and visit. Time with friends and loved ones is important. Time with people who want a slither of time with you is special.
Telephones, Facebook, Zoom, FaceTime and all our modern technology which keeps us connected are great. But nothing can compare to being in community and showing each other love.
For all the ways my Columbus and Cincinnati friends and family showed me love, I am grateful. It has reminded me that spending time with others is not just spending time but, a chance to connect and build friendships that may last beyond what you expect.
