This blog is dedicated to my dear friend, Susan Johnson Price.
Family is forever. Even when you're at odds with each other, there's no denying your roots, whether they are by blood or adoption. I have been blessed with a wonderful family: a loving husband, amazing children, stepchildren, and in-laws, as well as extended family members who mean the world to me. I grew up with only one sibling, and sadly, our relationship has been a bit unstable since the death of our mother. I have missed our previously frequent conversations and the intricately woven connection that most of us share with those who know us best.
The point of mentioning this is not to evoke sympathy, but to pay tribute to those outside our immediate families who become like brothers and sisters to us - forever friends. I was blessed to spend nine days with one such person and I'm writing this to let her know how much I appreciate the time spent with her.
Now in my seventieth decade, I have many cherished friends that I've known for 40+ years. I would never minimize those precious relationships, but spending time with a childhood friend made me realize how significant it is to reconnect with someone who has known you since you were young... perhaps even your entire life.
Susan, please accept my apology for talking too much during your recent visit, but it was like we were trying to catch up on the decades that we've been apart. I am very grateful for your listening ear and appreciate you sharing your heart with me. Your friendship is indeed a treasure.
Gary and I are so glad that you and Chuck included us in your Alaska travel plans and we can't thank you enough for your thoughtfulness and generosity to us! We thoroughly enjoyed our time together and will remember it for years to come! You are welcome back anytime!
