Old Friends

I recently spent 4 days with "old friends." I'm referring of the length of our friendships, not our ages! Chronologically speaking, we ARE getting older, but these are some of the "youngest at heart" "girls" I know! We refer to ourselves as the "Beach Chicks," as a nod to one of the terms for "girls" in 60's & 70's vernacular.

We have rented a beach house together for the last nine years, to celebrate our unique, "lifelong" friendships. Some of us were in the church nursery, as toddlers, together. Others moved to town when we were in elementary school or junior high.

We have come to appreciate how rare such close friendships have become in our transient society. It's almost inconceivable that some of us could have known each other for over 55 years, when we still feel about 19!

Cell phones, e-mail, text messages, and Facebook help keep us current with each others' news. But, whether or not we are actually "in touch," we can talk to each other, or see each other, and pick right right back up where we left off--whether it was 5 minutes, or 5 years, ago!

There are other men and women, mostly "locals," who pop in and out of our beach weekends. They come to renew their own "friendship bonds," share the fun on and off the beach, and join us for forays out to local restaurants. This gives us "out-of-towners" more of a connection with our hometown, and a "fix" to tide us over till "the next time."

During this year's beach weekend, my high school best friend, Julie's, daughter, Jeannine, was in a coma in California, suffering from the side-effects of e-coli. (Jeannine is making a miraculous recovery, now!) Another lifelong friend had just lost her son in a tragic car accident, and a cheerleader friend's mother had just died.

Our absent friends were constantly in our prayers, and on our hearts, that weekend, as we became increasingly mindful of just how precious life is. Even as we grieved, we counted our blessings. Pictures and updates on children and grandchildren, reminded us that our lives are full and God IS Good!

As I was writing this, I called Peggy Perry in Jacksonville for some "mental supplementation." I was having trouble recalling some details about our trip. As we say at the beach, "it takes a village" to remember things these days! I find myself smiling, just thinking about my "old friends."

I came across this photo of Beach Chicks in the mountains, and it prompted me to write this blog. The other three beach photos capture more of the essence of the Beach Chicks.

I want to try express some thoughts and feelings for which there ARE no words. I want to say "thank you" to my Beach Chick friends, and to all my other friends. Thank you for being in my life. Thank you for what you mean to me. Thank you for all you have given to me. You are all in my heart. I smile when thoughts of you come to mind. Pictures of you are among my most treasured possessions. Thanks for your love, and thanks for the memories! I love you all!