(Shanda, Christie, and James)
The only bad thing about visiting an old friend is having to say goodbye again. (spoken like a true pessimist)
Christie and I met each other 7 years ago, when we lived in the Pittsburgh, PA area. At that time, I was a mom of 3 little ones 3 years old and under. It was hard for me to get to know new people back then, but Christie showed me by her actions that to have a friend you must be a friend. We met through church and discovered we lived in the same neighborhood. She did so many nice things for me–she was the one who would call and ask if I wanted to take the kids to the park with her (she had 2 little ones then). She paid my way so that I could attend MOPS at church. She invited us over to her house. She lent me books and cute clothes for Grace. She asked me to go to Barnes and Nobles with her–the VERY first time I went there with a friend was with her. I was all nervous–didn’t know how or what to order at the Starbucks cafe. We went to the movies together one time, too. Another time, on a gorgeous fall day, we loaded up the van with the kids and we drove to a lovely park together. Because she wanted to be with me and do things with me, I felt like I was someone special. Friendship is a beautiful thing.
(Christie’s baby boy, James)
(our kids together–Jacob w/Caleb, Cameron, Ethan, Grace, Katie w/James, and Sophie)
When I think back to that time I just thank God for her friendship–it really stands out in my mind. My family only lived in PA for about 8 months but what a blessing to have made a lasting relationship with her. We’ve kept in touch all these years through emails and occasional phone calls. She encourages me and has helped me through some little bumps in life. . .just like any good friend would do.
(Christie’s oldest daughter, Katie)
I have five children now and she has four. She and her family have been vacationing in Canada and stopped here yesterday on their way back home to PA. We had not seen each other for about 5 years–and I was so excited as I waited for them to get here.
(David and Sophie)
It was nice to reconnect–to sit and talk and watch our kids play together.
(Grace and Katie)
(Christie’s son Cameron and my Ethan–with one of the frogs they caught)
They couldn’t stay long, though. This morning they packed up and left for home–(they have about an 8 hour drive today). It was a wonderful little visit. But now I’m sitting here sad that she’s gone. A true sign of a good time!
Thanks for being my friend, Christie.
Good to be Home 
What a special friend! I think the picture of David and Sophie is especially cute, love the expression on David’s face lol.
Old friends are wonderful!
As I was reading through this I was reminded of a friend that was the same to me, always reaching out to make me feel loved. She gave me advice when I was pregnant with both my boys and we spent many days together when my kids were babies and hers were also little. I really appreciate what she did for me and that I had her in my life when I did, much the same as your dear friend to you. Thank you for bringing these memories back to me.
What a lovely post! True friends are a wonderful gift!
Good friends are hard to find!!! Glad you have many!
Love the photo of the girls with the Queen Anne’s Lace ~ fun times ~
Your post reminds me of my best friend, Tracey — we met as freshmen in college 15 years ago, and despite both being military wives who are always moving and currently live on opposite sides of the globe, she is my very best friend — no, my SISTER. We had the privilege of living in the same place for one tour of duty…but not since we both had kids (though we may get our chance again). She is a voice of Truth in my life, an accountability partner, and a fierce prayer warrior. Thanks for making me think of her and how much I love her!
Friends that are able to stay connected in spite of obstacles (such as distance) are the best! 🙂 It’s soooo easy to let those friendships slip away….
I love that Queen Anne’s Lace picture :o)
THANK for a great post, friends are special and we should treasure the time we can have with them i have been blessed with many friends over the years and made many good memories even just today we were having lunch with some good friends and she said to me that i am a sister to her( she just lost her sister this past year ) it made me see how god work’s in our lives and gives us the chance to have such wonderful friends it does not matter how far away we live for a true friend is there for us at all times, so glad you have that friend, GOD BLESS,
SANDY
You are so good at keeping up with your far away friends. I wish I would be better at that. It looks like everyone had a wonderful time together.
Isn’t it wonderful that with best friends,when you see them you pick up where you left off, just as if it was yesterday that you last saw them. It looks as if you had a wonderful visit.
I laughed with delight when I saw the picture of Ethan with the frog,just after I had smiled over the girls with the Queen Anne’s Lace.Norman Rockwell’s America can still be found at your home. Thank you Lord!And let’s not forget the perfect B&W (with cathlights!) portrait of James
I admire your ability to keep in touch with so many friends. Although I have so many friends that matter to me I have a hard time finding time to let them know I care and love them. Its something I have to work at. Love, Lish
What a beautiful tribute to a very special friend! It makes me miss my best girl friend in the world: Durenda. We do the most amazing things together……usually they are her ideas. I don’t know how she comes up with them due to the fact that she has 8 children to care for each day, but she does. One of her favorite things to do is to have coffee at Barnes and Noble. I’ve never been there, but they go as a family often and the whole family loves the outing. I think our family will do this sometime soon. We all love books and coffee!
We go to coffee at this huge place called the “Service Station” when I go visit her. It’s like a Starbucks on steroids! LOTS of big comfy couches and chairs everywhere, a huge blazing fire, little quaint tables and chairs and the building is probably 3000 square feet on the main floor. They have the most delicious, made from scratch desserts there…..yum!!! That’s our girl time when our family visits hers. We do lots of other fun stuff too, but that’s probably my favorite because I love that we can sit, sip coffee, munch on something yummy next to a beautiful warm fire and talk deep……we both love heart to heart conversations and lots of laughing.
Okay……obviously this post touched my heart. Thanks for sharing about your very special friend!!!
Have a great day!!!
Jana
How special, Shanda. Just reading this made me sad, but happy for you to of been able to see a longtime friend. What a treasure friendship truly is. I loved seeing all the kids together too. Thanks for sharing.
MOPS was great for me. IT sure helped me when mine were little and I was staying home with them with no adults except my hubby to ever talk to.
Our pastor just spoke yesterday on the beauty of Biblical friendships. It was a blessing. It is nice to find your post giving the illustration for it. I loved the queen Anne’s lace, nicely done! Blessings and love, M in SC
ryc thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed them 🙂
Great post,Shanda….
Brings back memories of my dear friend, Shari….We met in church 35 years ago. I impulsively asked her to lunch one day. She came! That was just the beginning of shopping dates, lunches, hours on the phone..We were there for one another when she had her second and I had my first….We moved away before our second was born… back to NY…but we have never lost that ability to instantly pick up where we left off – no matter how long it has been between conversations. We have not seen one another for thirteen years…
Yes…I need to give her a call…even though I know it will be a three hour conversation – as usual.
:o)
Great pictures. Friends are very special things. I have been blessed many times after we have moved each time to find what I call “running buddies”. We have fun no matter what we are doing. From running errands together, to going to the park, to lunch out, to yard sales, you name it. The company of a good friend is a blessing. Have a great week.
Looks like you had a wonderful time! Friends are so special ~ God’s gifts! Hope you are doing well! 🙂