It’s amazing what happens when you move away. Friendships change. It’s inevitable, of course. Not seeing someone every day or every week is bound to altar the dynamics of any relationship, but I’ve found in the times I’ve moved that I’m always surprised at the way the meaning of a friendship can change shape.
I’ve also found moving to be an amazing barometer of the significance that friendships play in your life. The people you miss the most are not always the ones you thought you’d miss the most. The people who reach out and make the effort to maintain a relationship take you by surprise because, sometimes, they aren’t the people you thought would reach out.
And then there are times when you have a friendship so deep that you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that that friendship will withstand the miles that grow between you.
I am blessed by such friends. So very, very blessed. And this past weekend we basked in the love of friendships so deep that the momentary pause between our face to face interactions didn’t even cause a hiccup. It was as though we hadn’t been apart. I have precious few friendships like that and I give praise for each one.
(If you’re a Broadway nerd like me, you’re going to want to listen to this song while viewing the following pictures….)
- My dear and precious friend.
A weekend of playing with our friends at the beach, the aquarium and even a Russian birthday party solidified in my heart this lasting relationship. How grateful I am for this precious family.
So what about you? Have you hugged a friend today?
You and Lee aren’t getting rid of me that easily.
Surely you and the kids need a beach vacation, right. 😉
OMG – the cuteness AND that last picture needs to be turned into a canvas, a BIG one and put somewhere in your house 🙂
Glad you had a good weekend!
Thanks Mel! I just wish the family shot was a teeeensy bit more in focus. Landon is blurry. But given the fact that I took 200 pictures at the beach and that is the only shot I managed to get of myself with my family, I will definitely have to frame it as a keeper. 🙂
So glad you guys had a good time! Visitors were my FAVORITE part of living in WA. It was so fun showing everyone around our new stomping grounds, drinking coffee early in the morning and staying up late (with wine!) talking with special people who know you and can just be you with. Sigh. Hugs to you from the Lou pretty lady! Miss you guys!
Miss you, too. I am kind of thinking that you guys will need a trip down here at some point so I can take pictures of Miss Cecelia on the beach, right? 😉
What great pictures! It makes me happy just looking at them!
Thanks Traci!
WOW, I haven’t heard that song since Lafayette High School 1996. Fun little song, as well as a fun little musical. Brought back some memories. Your blog is fantastic Kelli, keep up the great work.
Yesssssssssss…
Anything Goes.
Rhett, every time one of my kids says “Oops” I am compelled to follow with, “My Straddle-a-various.” So funny. They don’t get it, but I laugh every time. 🙂
What a lovely tribute to friendship. Love to you both and can’t wait for our time together this Summer!
Me too. Bethany and I talked about it this weekend. A lot.
“When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart. For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost. When I’m feeling most ghost-like, it is your remembering me that helps remind me that I actually exist. When I’m feeling sad, it’s my consolation. When I’m feeling happy, it’s part of why I feel that way. If you forget me, one of the ways I remember who I am will be gone. If you forget, part of who I am will be gone. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” the good thief said from his cross (Luke 23:42). There are perhaps no more human words in all of Scripture, no prayer we can pray so well.” Frederick Buechner
Aaaaaawwwweeeesome quote. Gave me chills. Thank you for sharing that.
Oh, oh, oh, GOOD quote! Well done!
Hi Kelli!
You have a beautiful family. I love the last picture. You look great and everyone looks so happy. So glad for you and all your blessings.
Thank you, friend. I hope you and your family are well!
Great pics, as always. You are the yin to my yan (I’ll explain later). I am looking forward to meeting Bethany in June! And yes, I hugged a friend today. Right after I told her we might be moving…
We need to talk soon.
This is the type of post that made me want to be your friend Kelli….You obviously are really good at it. Well….that and I really like being a “Minivans are Hot” Daddy. lol…
So glad to see you had a great time…The pics are amazing…
Thanks Rodney! You are such a wonderful encourager. 🙂
Oh my. Now I am a giant weepy puddle of very grateful friend. Loving you and your family gives me a glimpse of what Heaven must be like: the laughing, the stories, the adventures, the praising our God together. Throw in the beach and you’ve truly got perfection 🙂
I feel fairly certain that heaven will contain a beach. You and I can lay on our towels for all eternity. 😉