This week’s post is dedicated to friendship- one of life’s greatest blessings and probably one we don’t celebrate nearly enough. It is brought to mind by many things this week – noticing how friends are keeping in touch through the social distancing – how friends are encouraging friends in darker moments- and making each other laugh through jokes, articles and the ever needed UTube (what did we do before UTube?) and celebrating longtime friendships that were lost this week.
Part of the story of this week’s blog is that of my long time friend, Jane Houser – who departed this life on April 6. I met Jane in 1988 after meeting her daughter through a work connection. I know it will be hard for some to believe but Yoga wasn’t the national sport in those days, but Jane was a Yoga teacher taught by Mr. Iyengar in India when she was 55 years of age. I try to be ahead of all trends so I thought I would investigate Yoga, and went to Jane’s home one Saturday morning in early Spring. She was truly inspiring and could do an awesome headstand but Yoga wasn’t for me – but this amazing tiny woman with great fortitude intrigued me. Over time, Jane and her daughter, Julie became dear friends and we embarked on a journey of discussing what it meant to have a friend. Her dear friend, Pat and the three of us would meet for tea in some lovely tea shop in the Bay Area of San Francisco and continue our exploration for many years. We seldom agreed and often vigorously while loving each other thoroughly – Jane and I went to self -development workshops together , explored spiritual conversations together, she attended birthday celebrations with me on the Northern Coast of California, came to my wedding in that same location, and always provided stimulating conversation and food for thought. Her passing was a lot like her life – she wanted to be conscious and share what she was experiencing and provided learning for the rest of us every step of the way. Long- time friends of such depth, are hard to come by, and I will miss you Jane and I treasure all I learned from you.
My husband lost a friend this week as well – a different kind of friendship – that was mostly one sided. Bill has been an avid John Prine fan for as long as I can remember and we spent many campfire evenings listening to “Angel from Montgomery” as only Bonnie Raitt can sing it – a talented, gifted simple guy from Bill’s home state that will be remembered for his stellar song writing – hopefully forever. Bill is very grateful for that musical gift Jon gave him over many years.
In these times we are in – there has been a lot said about spending more time with family – little said about the inspiring and soul lifting aspect of life that we are blessed to experience – friends. Perhaps it is because I don’t have children or perhaps because I left my home state in 1975 to never look back – but for whatever reason friends have shaped my life, my development and my joy. And while this life of restriction and stress has certainly tested the strength of joy – in the midst – there it has been – brought to me by my friends.
So this week – I recommend appreciating a friend – someone who may just have given you a shout out hello to see how you were fairing – or someone who is willing to bring you toilet paper -or someone who always has humor at the ready. Give them your appreciation and gratitude – make a plan to have some fun when fun is social again and to my friends who fit all the above categories- Julie, Lori, Jessica, Jana, Teri, Alice, The Knitting consortium, Rochelle, Linda, and my dear friend Jane – I love you all -Peace and Blessings
And for those celebrating Passover and Easter – celebrate the freedom and love they both provide!
