This is the first time I have posted using my phone. Forgive me for the mistakes I’m sure I will make! 😄
This year I am so thankful for my many friends. These last few years it seems, I have added some very important people to my list. I have a bestie that’s 80 yrs old, 2 “most unlikely” young men, and I still have the many friends I’ve had throughout the years. Below happened yesterday that made me really think!
I had a wonderful conversation with my “most unlikely” friend. He said some things that have never been said to me. The things that he shared with me didn’t happen overnight but it was a result of being invested in his life over a couple of years. I share this because I want you to know -it is SO worth learning and loving people who may be different than my other “likely” friends. These are not exact quotes but are remembered as closely as I can.
•You helped me to open up and to share my feelings and opinions.
•You say to me, I’d love to hear more about that. Or what was it like? You gave me a voice to say how I feel and not how you want me to feel.
•You make an effort to involve me in your conversation and not just talk to me but to listen.
•I have learned how to communicate better with others.
What I HAVE LEARNED in 2 “most unlikely friendships” with 2 young men is:
•Being willing to try and ride the waves as they come.
•Making sure they feel validated and knowing it’s ok to be who they are. Not trying to fix them, but to support them in becoming all they can be.
•And most importantly is to educate myself about the differences we each have.
These 2 young men have pulled me a little closer to the door of the grief cave I have been in for a few years. Loosing Ben and his dog Fleetwood has been the most devastating event in my life!
•I have learned to be present with them. •Not casually having conversations but digging down deep with what makes each of us different.
•Knowing when they pull up the drawbridge -thats it’s ok to need space to unwind.
•And not to shut down when they talk about the dark parts; but reassure them I’ll be there at the end.
How do we know that when God made a perfect man -He was talking about my “perfectly unlikely” friends?
Love to all my friends as I know since Ben has been gone, I have not been a very good friend. I love 💕 all of you!
Evelyn, my bestie, Shannon, Me, Eric, and my forever SweetT. (the hubs)
God does reassemble shattered pieces 