Gratitude Monday: 25 years

Saturday was my friend MLD’s birthday. It was one of those auspicious birthdays—you know, the ones with a 0 or a 5 as the final digit.

As I was contemplating that, it occurred to me that we’ve been friends for…25 years. And I’ve been grateful for that every single day.

We were colleagues at a telecoms manufacturer’s European headquarters in Maidenhead, UK. She was personal assistant to the CEO and I did this and that. It was the that part that got me moved up to the third floor, where she worked, and we somehow just hit it off.

When the company terminated my contract in September 2001, I spent my last night in the country at MLD’s house. Since then we’ve exchanged daily weekday emails about life, love, cookery, work, bell ringing, travel, kids, health, pets, relocation and retirement. All the major food groups necessary for friendship. She knows all about my most whackjob and shady activities; I know one or two things that might possibly raise an eyebrow in the Holy Trinity Church parish council. But we will take this knowledge to our graves.

I’ve learned so much through our friendship—like the mechanics of church bells (MLD has been tower captain of her church’s ringers for quite a long time), ziplining, fiscal responsibility, recipes for mincemeat. (Also the politics of church organizations—man, that’s a thing!) It’s as though I can walk through a door and be across the ocean, living a life so different from mine; like an immersive TV program on PBS.

I love hearing about her “ringing weeks” in Scotland or Alderney, and Messy Church, and loft clearouts, and getting a new car (six speeds; I have such gear envy). MLD lives a whirlwind life compared to mine; I get all the benefit without any of the exhaustion.

The downside is that we haven’t been in the same time zone, much less the same room, for about 15 years. Google Meet is the best we can manage. But she has been over a couple of times, and I was able to introduce her to a genuine hamburger (which she ate with a knife and fork), and Costco (I may have broken her brain), and Mount Vernon.

We’ve encouraged, and comforted; laughed and wept; sent virtual hugs and very gentle nudges on the butt for all this time. As one does. She—having more juice in this arena than I—also puts in a word or two for me in her devotions, and I know I benefit from this.

I am deeply grateful for every grace of our friendship.

 

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