February 10, 2010

God Knows...

God always knows best what I need and when I need it...and He always takes care of me. This I know. Today was a perfect example.A package arrived in the mail, but I was in the middle of something, so although I saw it on the counter, I didn't immediately go to see what it was. When I did...I was immediately filled with excitement. You see, the package was from my oldest and dearest friend, Cyd.

I'm blessed to have a handful of women I call dear friends, with whom I've shared the majority of my life...Cyd, Laura Ann Elizabeth, Linda, Jill and Lee. Each one has been a trusted and loving friend who has known my heart and my deepest thoughts for over twenty years, but I've known Cyd the longest.

We've been friends since the first day of first grade - nearly fifty years! On that first day of school, she walked into the classroom with her strawberry blonde braids. As I gazed upon her beautiful face, she looked at me with my equally long, but dark-haired braids. In our classroom, the teacher, Mrs. Kerr, always assigned a "seasoned" student to accompany the "new kid" for the day. She said, "Donna, will you be Cindy's friend today?" and as Cindy looked at my face, I replied that I would. We became fast friends from that moment on.

We shared all our grade school years together. We walked to and from school, had sleepovers at each others houses, shared crushes on the same boys, waded through the creek at the hospital, rode our bikes home with wet hair (that turned to icicles in the winter) after hours swimming at the YMCA, laughed, cried and shared our deepest secrets. Even our parents became friends.

As we grew older, we had separate interests, but always knew our hearts were safe with - and belonged to - each other forever. We didn't need to commandeer each other's time. In fact, we've gone years without a word, just knowing that we're always there for each other. I don't ever remember a hurtful word uttered from one of us to the other. We've always been friends who respected each other too much for that. That's not to say we didn't disagree, but we always did it with consideration for each other. I can't remember when we've ever not loved each other...in spite of all the years and distance and separate families.

Today, I opened that box and was filled with emotion.
A note from my friend and gifts from her past, given to me.
A beautiful vintage valentine and wedding card...
Old laces...
crocheted doilies, coasters and dresser scarves...
precious hankies, embroideries and vintage linens...
and antique cardboard advertising fans with the sweetest images...
I was literally overcome with emotion. Emotion knowing that this incredible woman thought of me and sent this box of precious memories to me. Emotion knowing that we'll love each other as the dearest of friends until we die. Emotion knowing that God sent her to me all those years ago, and keeps her safe and in my life as we grow older. This dear, precious friend for all my life. God knew just what I needed today. Yet again, I am blessed.
JoySignatureBROWNSM
The photo of me with Cyd (she'll always be "Cindy" to me, as I'll always be "Dee" to her) was taken in 1965 in my parent's living room. (I was 11 years old. Cyd slightly younger.) We had spent the day ice skating at the rink on Fourth Street in Fond du Lac (Wisconsin). We always stayed out until our feet froze, and when we got home, there was a roaring fire in the fireplace. Those were the days...

20 comments:

  1. Donna, I so enjoyed reading of your great friendship. You are such a lucky person to have shared these memories with Cyd. What a lovely box of memories she sent you. You are blessed. It's wonderful to get caught up with you. Your last few posts have been wonderful and so heartfelt. I'd have to say that my heart's desire is for my loved ones to be happy. Have a great day! Twyla

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  2. Donna, there are not many people in life who are lucky to have that kind of friendship, even less that have it for so long. What a joy and special gift it is for you to have hers, precious, sweet friendship. You are truly blessed.
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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  3. What a sweet story about your sweet friendship. I had a "heart" friend for over 20 years, but the Lord called her home 6 years ago. There is such an empty place in my heart for her. Enjoy your sweet friend.

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  4. What a wonderful story of your friendship. There is something so special of having that one person that has been your friend for so many years. That box of goodies she sent is wonderful!

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  5. What an adorable photo Donna!!! And such a precious post...forever friends are such beautiful gifts in this life ~ and she SO gets you!!! hugs and love, Dawn

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  6. Now THAT is a true friend! She obviously loves you very much and vice versa. I'd be a blubbery mess, too.

    On a stylistic note, I love the way you're rockin' those cat's eye glasses! :-)

    Love,
    Anne

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  7. What a wonderful story and amazing box of vintage items! I especially love the doilies. I came across the cutest doily project.

    http://racheldenbow.blogspot.com/2010/01/doily-pillow-tutorial.html

    Your new goodies would be perfect.

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  8. That's a lovely post. How wonderful to have a friend who's been with you through life's path. My best friend and I were friends in the womb! Our mums were friends before us and were expecting around the same time. xx

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  9. What a wonderful entry! I am so thankful for dear friends, and I am especially knit with my dear friend that was an answer to prayer. Yes, God truly does know our needs, and He is so gracious to supply our needs...and SO much more.

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  10. It would seem that my precious daughyer is following in her Mum's footsteps,and her Nana's, my mother, and I have, in her lifetime, and me in mine, had the dearest of friends I'm sure she and Betty are having an enjoyable 'cuppa' in Heaven these days. I am blessed with Pamela Sheila Ann, we have been the very best of friends, like Donna and Cyd,since we were tiny girls and this past summer I spent a month with her going over our old stomping grounds, so much love and even more fun. I have known cindy's parents for about the same length of time as Donna,infact our families have been so interwoven that we even had Cindy's parents as God parents for our third daughter Diana Claire, brought a few tears when I read your note, my love.Mumsy.

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  11. It is so wonderful to have friends likee that. You are truly bless and the wonderful gifts that she sent you is especially special coming from a special friend. Take care

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  12. What a sweet photo and an even sweeter story. Thank you for sharing it with us, Donna!

    xo
    Claudia

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  13. Your gift is awesome...I know that it brightened your entire day knowing that you dear friend thought of you in such a special way.

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  14. Oh my goodness... I'm almost tearing up reading your beautiful words about your friend! What a mushball! Thank you so much for sharing something so personal and uplifting. I love to read about friendships that span the years so effortlessly and through all that life brings into our paths.
    I love the picture of the two of you! Happy Friday...oxo~Lisa

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  15. Donna,
    What a wonderful thing, to have a friend so dear who knows you so well. I think it's so awesome to have a special person that has seen you grow through the years, who was there for your joys & sorrows. And it's different with family. They have to be there, right? But friends, they are here because they really, really love you. Lisa

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  16. Donna,
    What a wonderful thing, to have a friend so dear who knows you so well. I think it's so awesome to have a special person that has seen you grow through the years, who was there for your joys & sorrows. And it's different with family. They have to be there, right? But friends, they are here because they really, really love you. Lisa

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  17. Donna,
    What a wonderful thing, to have a friend so dear who knows you so well. I think it's so awesome to have a special person that has seen you grow through the years, who was there for your joys & sorrows. And it's different with family. They have to be there, right? But friends, they are here because they really, really love you. Lisa

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  18. A truly lovely post Donna. Someone told me once that old friends are the best because they knew us when we were just us. Just Donna, not Donna the mother, wife, career person, but just us. I've always loved that and believe it to be so true.
    yf,
    shell

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  19. this is so special, donna...a lovely gift box and a beautiful post:)

    mary

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  20. Donna, I got teary myself reading about you and Cyd. What a beautiful post! What a beautiful friendship! xoxo Paulette ;)

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna