I learned a lot from my friend, Paula, who died recently of cancer at the tender age of 44. She inspired me on many levels as noted in my earlier post. This week I feel the need to continue.
Our friendship was rich and incredibly supportive for a long time and can best be summarized by this quote.
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
~ Albert Schweitzer
We had many fond moments together. Attending my brother’s wedding in Pittsburgh. Exploring Boston and New York City. Visiting with her family and mine. Taking a road trip to Newport, RI. Hiking in the wilds of New Jersey (where I ended up with a nasty case of poison ivy). And that is just what comes to mind.
Our friendship brought new dimensions to my life and here are some more things that I learned from Paula.
Books are wonderful.
Books open up new worlds to you. Paula and I shared books that inspired us and had mini book discussions before Oprah’s Book Club was on the scene. Did you read this? Oh, check this one out, you’ll love it. Paula loved books so much that she eventually became a librarian.
Handwritten letters show love.
Sometimes the best way to express your thoughts is to write a letter the old-fashioned way, by hand. The anticipation of reading a long letter written by your best friend, one filled with humor and love, is soothing to the soul. It is a personal connection that transcends email. Try it sometime. Find a pen pal who is willing to write back and forth and see how your world can change for the better.
There are many reasons why you are fabulous.
One of my favorite presents from Paula was a handwritten letter that shared 50 reasons why she thought I was fabulous. How incredible to receive that much love and support! To this day, I still do this as a present, sometimes writing as much as 100 reasons why I love someone.
Embrace change.
Sometimes you have to move on. It’s not always going to be the way you want no matter how much you wish. You might lose your best friend. You might break up with your lover. You might get cancer. You might not live to tomorrow.
Our friendship opened up a whole new world to me and I stand in admiration for my friend, Paula, who is deeply missed by many.
Remember.
Books are wonderful.
Handwritten letters show love.
There are many reasons why you are fabulous.
Embrace change.
Just for today, think about how lucky you are to know your friends and family. Maybe even surprise them with a handwritten list of 20+ reasons why they are awesome. Share the love.
[…] part 2, click here. […]