Thursday, May 20, 2010

"Hi. It's Me."

I called up an old friend the other day. And I mean old. This person has known me forever. They know everything I've ever done, everything I've ever said, everything I've ever felt or thought or pretended not to feel or think... Everything.

As we were talking I wondered why I had let so much time pass since I had last checked in. Admittedly, I kind of thought that since it had been so long and so much had happened it might be a little awkward at first to get conversation going. Heaven knows I'm awful at conversations, especially on the phone. But she knows all that.

I was relieved to find that the conversation was easy. Of course it was. Isn't it always? Don't I always feel comfortable talking to her? Isn't she always the best listener, the best advisor? I instantly felt that long, worn, intangible thread that was tying our existences together, tighten and pump life-giving energy into my psyche.

One of the things I like most about her is her ability to be perfectly honest and clear with me. No minced words. No cushioned cirticisms. She says it like it is. But never once has she offended me. Sometimes I don't ask her things because I'm afraid of what she'll say. Not because I think it will be hurtful or anything. It's because I know she'll be right, and maybe the answer isn't something I'm ready to act on yet.

She's also wonderful at appreciating me and telling me the good things about me without making me feel weird. I never know what to say when someone says something nice to/about me. She's always been so good at that. I still am not quite sure how she does it. She also seems to value my in-put and my spin on things. It's nice feeling like I mean as much to her as she does to me.

My biggest goal in life is to be like her. Honestly, everything about her I admire. She's patient, kind, funny, intelligent, humble, adventurous, brave, diligent, genuine. But mostly I admire her because she reminds me more of God than any one I've ever known.

The best part is, she's only a few words away. I should remember that more.

8 comments:

April said...

we talked on the phone today. this blog is about me, obviously

Taffers Dawn said...

It's always nice to have a friend like that who truly gets you and who you are. They are a lifeline for sure. Keep calling her for sure!

Jess said...

Um, can I be friends with this gal, too? We need more people like that in the world! :)

Kimberly said...

Hmmmm...I thought I knew everything about you, but apparently I don't. Because you didn't talk to me today. Darn. I guess I lose.
I'm glad you have a friend like that. Good friends are hard to find sometimes...

Anonymous said...

I know exactly what you mean about conversations. I'm horrible with small-talk.

Alison said...

I speculate this is your grandma. She sounds like someone really nice to talk to. Grandmas rock!

Julie said...

Nope, not my Grandma.

Jaclyn said...

Ugh, I hate the snow. I am glad that white stuff doesn't live in Santa Rosa! I wanted to share my new blog url with you. (I don't have your e-mail). It is drivingsantarosa.blogspot.com