Exposure: Week Two

Weekly Exposure

Challenge #2:

A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.

Our early history was a repetition of this theme: Stacy's mother would call my mother to say that she was enrolling Stacy in a particular activity -- and would she be so kind as to enroll me, too. My mother, of course, would comply.

Stacy and I would spend about a year, usually less, participating in the activity together -- then she'd quit and I was left to complete the course alone. Lest you think I am exaggerating, I will give noteworthy examples:

• Violin Lessons -- As the newspaper clipping suggests, we were part of a small strings ensemble. I played for two years before trading the violin for the piano. Stacy would have to tell you how long she enjoyed this musical endeavor. Might I suggest it was not two years.

• Tap and Ballet -- Another two-year commitment for me and another less-than-two-year commitment for my pal. Yes, I own a picture of the two of us in the recital program. No, I am not including it on the blog.

• Summer Camp -- This is the best. The first week of camp, I cried and cried. My poor little friend tried her best to console me in my homesickness. I can still remember her sitting close beside me on the bottom bunk, telling me things were going to be okay. You know, she was right. At the close of the first week, I was a happy camper (no groaning). Stacy, on the other hand, came down with the worse case of homesickness ever. If I remember correctly, she packed her bags and returned home.

• Albright's Prep School -- Okay, we did complete these years together . . . an exception to the theme. Stacy and I were summer babies, so we always celebrated our birthdays together at the end of the school year. According to school tradition, the party included aluminum-covered cardboard crowns and matching decorated boxes for gifts. We sat on stools in front of the room like princesses. So "me," right? ;-P

The school years that followed separated us somewhat, but our families remained close.

When I lost my mother, it became clear that our childhood ties were much stronger than I had ever imagined. On the eve of the funeral, Stacy dropped by my parents' home to sit with me and to offer her help, "Is there anything I can do for you?" She was earnest and sincere, but I could not think of a thing.

As soon as I said so, I remembered that I had not found shoes for my girls. Go to the mall the night before the funeral? I was still planning the funeral!

Seeing my panic, she said, "Let me take them to get shoes." Just like that. What could I say? I protested, of course, but she insisted more strongly. (Note: Stacy loves shoes. Period. She was eating this up.)

When they returned with glowing reports of adventure and success, I thanked my dear friend profusely and let her head home for the night. As soon as the door closed behind her, my girls spun around and said, "Mama, Mrs. Stacy is soooo cool!"

Since that reunion we have seen each other a couple of times, once at a retirement party hosted by our parents and again at my son's football game -- if you can believe that. We have tentative plans for a girls' weekend at her place, a few hours away; and the five of us are to do some real shopping. My consolation is that she is also highly interested in letterboxing. At her request, I am going to carve a pair of heels for her first signature stamp. *smile*

1966 to the present . . . I love you, Stacy!

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends,
the old and new.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life,
he will soon find himself alone.
A man should keep his friendships in constant repair.
~Samuel Johnson

Ah, how good it feels! The hand of an old friend.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Say what you want about aging, it's still the only way to have old friends.
~Robert Brault

An old friend is like a saddled horse.
~Afghan Proverb

It takes a long time to grow an old friend.
~John Leonard

Old friends are always new.
~Italian Proverb

Yes’m, old friends is always best,

‘less you can catch a new one that’s fit to make an old one out of.
~Sarah Orne Jewett

Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend . . .
~Proverbs 27:10

~ End Quote