Friday, December 22, 2017

Love can build a bridge

A lump rises in my throat as I read yet another Christmas card message, this time its from a friend in Cardiff who I haven't seen for over a year....

            

As I write your address on the card I feel such a longing to come and see you, I've missed seeing you, I miss our chats and catching up...










On my walk through life, like beautiful shells from beaches across the world, I have collected friends along the way...but unlike my shells which are stored in glass jars and baskets to be admired around my home, many of these friends live far away. Now I am unable to drive or get on trains or buses with ease, even those living relatively nearby prove too difficult to reach. 

Mr H is my willing chauffeur but he works, he gets tired, and we no longer venture out when the dark evenings draw in. Without a guiding arm, I trip over unseen holes, uneven kerbs and even walk into gates as my rapidly progressing, cataract choked eyes fail me. 

Last week Mr H dropped me off at the post office where I took a deep breath as I asked for eighty second class stamps.  I stepped out into the dazzling daylight with a much lighter purse! At Christmas I always sit down with a pen and write personal messages into the hundred or so cards which I send. I also enclose a short snappy, blog like, newsletter for those friends I see infrequently but think of often.

Like my shells, my friendships come with happy and sometimes sad memories and they have all left their imprint on my heart. More often than not when Mr H comes in from work I am out with a friend or on the phone, or nowadays iPad, calling or FaceTiming my friends; mostly laughing with a grin on my face. But sometimes we share sad news and support each other by quietly listening as the other pours their worries into the phone.

I am lucky to have lots of local friends too and today I stand nestled between my dearest Choir friends  while we sing...

                             Love can build a bridge, oh oh between your heart and mine,
                             Love can build a bridge, don't you know its time....

my heart swells and my eyes fill with happy tears as I am reminded of the many bridges of friendship I have built. I reflect on how those bridges of love have remained in place despite the distances between us. Knowing I have so many true friends makes my world that much richer. I am thankful that I constantly receive the gift of friendship. 

So don't hesitate, this Christmas reach out to friends who you haven't spoken to for a while, call them, it will be the best gift you can give...


I wish all my friends, family and readers a peaceful Christmas
and a calm friendship full 2018.