I recently flew to Spokane to visit my friend Teresa, and attend a Women of Faith (WOF) Conference (more about the WOF conference in another blog). We first met twenty-nine years ago in church when her husband was transferred in the military to Ft. Wainwright. Our children grew up together....we became family friends. After a couple tours in Alaska, they were transferred out, but we never lost contact with them.
Over the years we've visited them in California, Texas, Nevada, Florida, Missouri, Washington and even England.
"Sometimes talking to your best friend is all the therapy you need." On this visit:
- We reminisced about people we know and things we've done together.
- We bragged about our grandchildren.
- We laughed together.
- We discussed our parents and families.
- We shared recipe's (thanks for my new favorite dessert: Vanilla Pudding Dessert with fresh strawberries and crushed vanilla wafers).
- We discussed books and favorite authors.
- I read the book "The Orphaned Adult" (Understanding and Coping with Grief and Change After the Death of Our Parents by Alexander Levy).
- We talked about home remodeling. I got some good ideas to take home for some of our remodeling projects.
- We ate out at places we don't have in Fairbanks, Alaska.
- I enjoyed their fresh grown tomatoes on bologna sandwiches (my favorite).
- We bragged about our grandchildren some more.
- We even bragged about our children.
- We shopped together.
- We, along with her husband, visited:
- Manito Park, which was filled with the most incredible and beautiful flowers; and
- We drove about 90 miles to the Palouse Falls State Park and enjoyed the view of a waterfalls and massive canyon.
- I enjoyed spending time with their son, daughter-in-law and 2 grandchildren. One evening we all enjoyed fish taco's together at Anthony's and then walked along the river after dinner and dessert. A highlight of that walk was when Teresa's five year old granddaughter, Teighlyr, joined me, held my hand and we talked for a few minutes before she scurried on.
- The weather was 95+ all week with no clouds or rain. It was beautiful, although too hot for me. I did enjoy sitting outside (in the shade) as much as possible. Thank God for their air conditioning though.
- I was able to connect with a cousin on my Mom's side of the family. We met at Red Robin for a three hour lunch. Hey, it takes time to "catch up." :)
- We worshipped together at the Women of Faith Conference.
- Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they're always there.
- Did I mention we bragged on our grandchildren?
