Last night was the last of our entertaining duties and it was a pleasure to end on this girl. I have never been one of those people to take sides when people break up well, unless cheating was involved but still. I don't believe in the whole "well, they broke up so I guess I can't be friends with the person I've known for less time." I can name two people off the top of my head that are THE most positive people we know (stop wondering Jeff, you're one of them) and to not have the influence of these people in our lives would be a travesty just because of a break up.
The girl we had over was an ex-girlfriend of a family member and when they broke up, WE cried. She is quite possibly the sweetest girl we know and I'll be damned if I was going to not see her anymore just because they weren't meant to be. It's been quite a while since we've seen her because her schedule is insane. She works and goes to school full time so we're happy for any time she can give us.
She is infectious with her ambition. She wants to try everything and when she does, she's all in. I'm talking both feet straight in baby even if others think she's nuts. Her heart is so big and she's so sweet that she is always thinking of others. We laughed and she said she hasn't smiled that much in so long her cheeks hurt. There was never a lull in conversation, we felt like we got to pass some knowledge down for potential business and financial purposes and it was so nice to be able to not just talk about funny things but serious things and everything in between. We're able to see how much she's grown up and we're so proud of her.
She's in a good relationship with a good man who seems to treat her well and she so deserves that. She said what wonderful role models we are and how much she looks up to us as a couple. She said all of the people around her are dysfunctional in some way and argue all the time. This isn't the first time we've heard this from people both about being role models and about the misery their other couple friends seem to be in. She laughed and wondered if we ever argued. We assured her we did on occasion and sometimes they were about something big and other times stupid crap just like everyone else. But the difference is we communicate and treat each other like the best friends we are. We asked about her relationship and it sounds like they're on the right track and we offered her advice to help him adjust to a possible new career to make sure they stay on the right path. If anyone deserves a long, healthy marriage, it's her. I love her like she's my little sister and am getting a little misty just thinking about the gap of time that will pass before we see her again until she finishes school.
I had to laugh after yesterday's post when she brought a box of cupcakes for dessert. I made a healthier dessert but I didn't tell her until later after we enjoyed the cupcakes she was sweet enough to bring. Thankfully we have been really low on calories this week so I don't think it'll throw TOO much of a loop in things. So I sent home the pumpkin cookies I made with her in a bag with some maple frosting and boxed up the rest for the Mr to take to work so we're not tempted by them. The best laid plans, right? *wink*
When you have people as good as she is in your life, thank your lucky stars. These people make life feel even more blessed. These people will inspire you and make you feel like anything is possible, you know, like you used to feel before you were jaded with the crap of life. Surround yourself with these people, the ones that lift you up. The ones that remind you that there are people who love, support you and even...gasp...look up to you for one reason or another. We can get so wrapped up in the drama of others and when you have people with refreshing outlooks on life, you too get refreshed, renewed in some way. They say you become most like the five people you spend the most time with...choose wisely.
Do you have people who do this for you? Feel free to sing their praises!
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That was a great visit and it just goes to show that if you surround yourself with great people and cut out the drama that some others bring to your life you'll just be that much happier.
ReplyDeleteIt was and yes, cutting out the drama is so key. I think we gave her some good advice on a lot of things and so happy to see she implemented one of the biggest things as soon as she got home. So proud of her.
DeleteI have a few people in my life that are just a pure joy to be around. My friend Judy is just amazing and knows just what I need to hear and when. What I love most about her is she doesn't preach and she doesn't offer her opinion about situations. She shares her experience, strength, and hope with me and lets me figure out things for myself. I love that, and it's helped me in my dealings with other people. With certain friends I've realized that sometimes they just need to talk and don't need me to agree, disagree, or offer any comment other than to just listen and let them work things out for themselves. It's a level of respect that I've never experienced before either on the giving or receiving end. My way might not be the best way for someone else, and Judy has helped me with that--without actually telling me that! LOL I have a couple of other friends who are gentle souls and keep things in such perspective that I'm humbled by it. They don't fly into self-righteous rages trying to prove they are right (I've been known to do that); instead they handle themselves with grace and dignity because they realize they have nothing to prove to anyone else--family included. I'm really in awe of that attitude of "live and let live" and they don't concern themselves with what I call "outside issues" such as other people's dramas. I always walk away from those visits feeling more at peace and good about myself than at any other time. Great topic!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful when you can have those people that can just 'get you' or talk to you with no judgment or not trying to force their views on you? Judy and your other friends sound like good people to have around!
DeleteI told the Mr today that it was so nice to be able to discuss ANYTHING we wanted to with her. We could range from funny to serious to advice all with the best of intentions and taking it at face value. Sometimes when you're in the company of family and friends, you know the things you can and can't get from those people. I have one friend who won't acknowledge anything emotional you say because she just kind of says "bummer" and wants to move on to cheery topics. This friend asked about grandma, when I told her how she was now, she could barely contain her tears several times. It's just nice to have someone that no topic is off limits or uncomfortable. If I could clone her and her around us all the time, I would. It seems like the people I know that are like that either live elsewhere or have crazy busy schedules and can't do a get together as often as we'd like. Sigh.