A Friend for All Seasons

What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. Aristotle

Recently I went to a retirement party for a good friend. She spent most of her career working in the same department. I was working there when she came--I was pregnant with my first son. We worked together for many years until I took another job. But Linda stayed. She was the heart. She was the laughter. She was the nurturer. She was the continuity. She was the glue. She cared about the department, because it was filled with people. Co-workers, professors, staff, and students came and went. She cared about each and every one. She gave a caring glance, lent an ear to listen to problems, offered solutions, and became a part of their lives. Others can take up the job, but they can never take her place. She will be missed.

She was my friend away from the office, too. She has been by me through good times and bad, laughter and tears. She held my hand through a wedding, surgeries, and wasn’t afraid to set me straight when I got a little too crazy. And through her, I have made many other good friends, including her daughter who is just as loving and caring as her mom. As women, we need our girlfriends. Girl, you are one of the best.

Go and enjoy life, Linda. Do something fun. I know it will involve expanding your circle of friends and sharing your God-given talent to love deeply.