Friends in Your Life for a Reason, Season or Lifetime

 There is a saying by an unknown author that” people come into your life for a reason, season or a lifetime”.

There are people we meet who help us either spiritually, physically or emotionally and then before we know it they are gone-they are here for a reason. I met a man in my early 20’s who taught me about art, wine and other things in life I had not been exposed to. But this was not a relationship that could last, he was not that kind of person. When the relationship ended I was heart broken for a while, but had grown up quite a bit from the young woman I was before. 

There are 3 people with whom I was very close but was only with them for a season of my life. My father was the most loving people I have ever met.  He taught me that I could do anything I wanted in life if I wanted it and was willing to work for it. I felt I was equal to anyone including men -unusual thought for a girl born in the early  1950s. He made me change a tire on my car by myself before I ever drove it-during the era without cell phones.  But he loved all his kids even the neighborhood kids. He worked all the time as a plumber. I was so shocked in high school, when I was inducted into the National Honor Society , but the best part was my father had taken off work, got dressed in his Sunday best to come see me get the award. My mother loved me dearly but she had severe rheumatoid arthritis and it was too much for her to come.  My father died when I was 19 from a rare autoimmune disease, and I remember the little boy next door asking ” would he not get to walk on our ceiling anymore since his friend had died”. My father was in many people’s lives for only a season, but what a wonderful season that was. 

My mother was my best friend in the world, she taught me compassion, acceptance, tolerance, faith and unconditional love for all people. She left this earthly plane when I was 29 – so it was more than just a “season” of my life but way too soon. I probably got my attitude of “I can do anything ” from her also. She left home at 16 to move into town with an aunt to finish the 12th grade of high school- in Greenville, if you lived in the country, the school only went to 11 grades. Then instead of marrying a farmer, she moved to the big city of Raleigh, much to the shock of my grandfather ,to get a higher education. Although this was in the 1940s , my father had to ask her 3 times before she consented to marriage at the old age of 26. All my friends and everyone that met my mother, always left feeling better than when they got there. Her rheumatoid arthritis was in every joint of her body and she was in constant pain, but she did not complain, she found a way to make you feel better. That is a rare trait among us mortal beings. 

My husband , who was with me for 17 years, was my 3rd person in my life for a “season”. I got married when I was 36, and had a baby at 42 and he was left this earthly plane just after I turned 50. I always knew I was loved by him and was devastated when he died. But I knew I had to make a life for me and my 8 year old son, so we moved back to Raleigh 4 years later.  

I have had many blessings of friends for a lifetime. My sister , Connie, has been with me the longest. I love her with all my heart. We shared a room growing up and I don’t ever remember cross words,although as a teenager I didn’t always want her to go with me everywhere. She has been with me through thick and thin. All my life challenges- loss of my husband  2 serious surgeries in the last few years- she is always a comfort to me and helps me think I can make it through anything with her by my side. Annette, a friend since I was 13, has always been there for me too. She and my sister were my Lamaze coaches for me when my son was born. These 2 women have been with me in every major life event good or bad- I am truly thankful for their presence in my life. 

I still see my  girlfriends from junior high:, Annette, Linda, Glenda, Ellen, and Harriet for birthdays, graduations, weddings, vacations, sickness, and funerals. These women are all part of my emotional foundation and I can not thank them enough for being there in all parts of my life.

My girlfriend , Diane, whom I have known since I was 7 , is always there for me. We have gone years in the past without talking to each other and pick up like it was yesterday. My son and I traveled with her many times after my husband died, which was very therapeutic to both of us. I have an open invitation to Carolina Beach anytime I want it!

I met Shigeko while working in biochemistry at NCSU. She loved to cook Japanese food and I loved to eat. We became friends, and have visited many times Iver the last 40 years. She is the most gracious host and generous friend anyone could ask for. And did I mention what a good cook she is?

There are so many people that have graced my life by meeting them, but one person I would like to mention is Veronica , who I meet in my early 30s. She introduced me to the Course in Miracles and Reiki in 1987. I was searching for a spiritual practice after my mother died and found her. It has changed my life and enhanced my journey to spiritual freedom. 

Even though I have only known Angela for the last 10 years, she has helped me grow spiritually and been a true asset to my life’s journey, by encouraging me to  start an energy healing business and to officiate weddings. She has been a true blessing to me.

Remember , the people you meet are here for a reason, season or lifetime . They are part of your soul’s journey in this lifetime, whether it be a pleasant encounter or not so pleasant. To live a joy-filled life, be thankful for all those you meet, they are here to help you grow and learn how limitless you truly are! Enjoy this journey called life , it is all part of the human experience!