All of us can say we have friends. Whether it's the cashier at the grocery store, the mailman or the pharmacist that knows you by name or the friends that stay in touch, we all have friends!
Friendships exist at different levels, but they each have a benefit to us. Some friends are those serving coffee at a coffee house or a waiter at your favorite restaurant. While these may be brief interactions, they serve a meaningful purpose to both the giver and receiver of a friendly gesture. The gift of a smile and a "have a great day" are what makes for part of a great day!
Long term friendships are those that span the years and the instant warmth that these friends bring is cherished! The main photo including my three friends are those that go back over 45 years! Kim, on the left, is a middle school friend so much longer than 45 years. While the two guys are high school friends. Working high school reunions with them has been beyond rewarding. The laughter and hugs are priceless. This photo is from a trip to Cypress, TX this past July where one classmate has retired. Priceless memories that only happen once in a while as none of us lives in the same state!
These friends in Arizona are my "Taco Tuesday" group. There's always something fun to talk about and the conversation are lively!
Other friendships are more close-knit and may be those that you see on a regular basis. These are friends that are available to shuttle you to doctor appointments and you check on them when they aren't feeling well. These are friends that adopted me during Covid as their friend. How fun! Indeed 2 of them have become great friends and we've done favors for each other. Four of us are realtors!
Then there are clients that become friends, and almost like family. Two dear friends passed not that long ago. Pictured here are Allen & Mary Ann Dutton at the dedication of his photography building at Phoenix College. What wonderful people. If you visit the library, his black and white photography is hanging throughout. He and Mary Ann taught there for many years. Meeting Allen at the gym was such a treat. He started racing me on his recumbent bike. I had to join the fun! For more on Allen Dutton and his history of art, photography and philanthropy, visit his site.
Friendships have been very valuable since all of my family lives elsewhere. Friendships are like fine wine - they just get better with age! I'm very grateful for all of my friendships, including those on ActiveRain, featured in my next series of grateful posts!
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