Arizona, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Minnesota.
Four states not necessarily in any order.
Four somewhat unrelated states and yet they all have a commonality.
The other morning after I trudged up the hill to the mailbox I paused. Not because I was out of breath this time. The trek to the mailbox is getting easier these days as I attempt to increase my exercise.
No, I paused because as I put the cards in the mailbox I reflected on where they were going and who they were going to.
I have had the privilege of living in a multitude of places over the years and have shared that with my readers before. One of the things that comes with moving around is the fact that I have friends all over the place. It is a good thing. A very good thing.
So when I put those letters in the mailbox the other morning I realized that those 4 letters represented four distinct times of my life, four different places and four different friends who have made a difference to me.
The Arizona connection was my friend from our Navy days in Orlando way back in the early years of our marriage. Our connection? Roommates in the hospital when we had our first baby boys. A lifetime connection that will always be there and be a special part of my life. She also pretty much saved my life as well so there is that.
The Ohio connection was my high school friend who also was a college friend since we attended Ohio Northern University together. Our connection is rooted in youth group activities and growing up together in New Concord, Ohio.
The Pennsylvania connection comes from when we lived in Monaca and was a church connection that turned into an amazing friendship that has continued over the years. Girls get aways and trips to reconnect when I go to see my mom continue to this day.
And finally the Minnesota connection is one that was formed when we lived in Iowa and I met this fellow North Iowa Blogger. Though we have both moved away from Iowa we still are close and continue to keep in touch usually at least weekly through messaging and texts.
As I put those envelopes in the mailbox I realized, once again, just how wonderful life is.
How blessed am I?
While life moves on I realize that each day is an opportunity to be thankful for the friends that I have both near and far . They are what makes me who I am today and I am grateful. So very grateful.
Who are the friends in your life that make a difference? Leave me a comment and remember that each comment this month means a 50 cent donation to UMCOR – Hurricane Florence Recovery.
