Friendship and Forgiveness

Not long ago, I, very suddenly, lost a good friend. Some events transpired and I hurt her, unintentionally. I knew something was off with us.  I found myself wanting to say something to her many times but I held back, regrettably.

The day she blew me off was a bit surprising. I was hurt. But knowing what kind of person she was/is, I was forced to take a look at myself and question whether I had been as good of a friend as I thought I had been. Unfortunately, I felt like I had failed in many ways. Immediately afterwards, I agonized over saying something to her. Ultimately I never did and before I knew it 6 months had gone by without a word from either of us. During that period I thought about her and what had happened, almost daily. I told myself at some point this would stop. It never did and an empty spot remained where our friendship had once been.

As April came around, I was reminded that her birthday was approaching. I considered maintaining my radio silence but I just couldn’t do it. The thought of her birthday coming and going without a word from me was just too much. Dammit, I was going to wish her a happy birthday whether she wanted me to or not!

She responded to my initial email quickly (which I took as a good sign). We found an excuse to meet for brunch. In the week leading up, I debated with myself over whether or not I should bring up the initial incident that caused our rift, or whether I should let it go. Ultimately, I went in without plan or agenda. When I arrived, we hugged and in that moment I forgave her for whatever she had done to hurt my feelings. It was a sincere hug. It was a hug that said, “I’ve missed you and I’m happy to see you.”

We had a long lunch, chatting and catching up on various topics. Finally, as lunch was coming to a close, she looked at me with tears in her eyes and said “I’m sorry.” My response mirrored hers. I felt sudden relief, like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. There. It had been said. I breathed easier. Amazing how two simple words, heartfelt and sincere, can wash away all those months of grief and anxiety.

And now, I am thankful... Thankful for another chance to be a better friend, Thankful for the lessons I've learned over the past 6 months, and Thankful that forgiveness can help heal old wounds. 

"Never is a Moment"

I was reminded tonight by "Sex and the City 2" about how relationships can lose their sparkle.  There are times when I get caught up in the day to day and forget why my relationship is special to me.  I was reminded tonight why it is special.  While flipping through itunes my guy mentioned that, while we were apart, he played this song and thought of me.  Its nice to have someone feel that way about you.  Its one of the many reasons why I love him. 

I found this video on You Tube of the song.  The video is a little cheesy but its pictures of San Marcos; the area where we both went to school.  Seems to be appropriate.   

Soldiers' Angels

Today is my adopted soldier's birthday.  He turned 25.  This is his 3rd tour in Iraq and I adopted him through an organization called Soldiers' Angels.  This non-profit group strives to fulfill their motto: "May No Soldier Go Unloved."  Currently, There are over 1500 soldiers waiting for adoption.

I really love working with this group.  This is the third soldier I have adopted and this one happens to be from Texas.  Almost immediately, he started emailing me.  In his first email, he thanked me for adopting him and talked a little bit about how the war had been going on a long time and how the soldiers didn't feel the support from home like they did a few years ago.  I thought this was really sad.  No matter what your political views, I believe the people fighting for our country should always be supported. 

There is a great quote on the Soldiers' Angels' website from NY Times Columnist, David Brooks, that says "If anybody is wondering: Where are the young idealists? Where are the people willing to devote themselves to causes larger than themselves? They are in uniform in Iraq [and Afghanistan], straddling the divide between insanity and order."

If adopting a soldier is too much for you right now, there are lots of other ways to support the troops.  Besides Soldiers' Angels, there are a number or organizations looking for people to get involved.  I have listed them below.  As Memorial Day approaches, please consider doing something to show our servicemen and women that you are thinking about them.

Operation Gratitude

herobox.org

Treat Any Soldier

US Troup Care Package

Any Soldier

Pugapalooza!

Pugapalooza was today, benefiting DFW Pug Rescue -www.dfwpugs.com. This organization works tirelessly to place pugs who have been abandoned or abused in caring, loving, forever homes. All proceeds go towards their vet bills which can be quite high considering they take in any pug, regardless of health issues. Their motto is "no pug left behind."

My little Iris won second place in the "Best Trick" contest. She can sit, lay down, and then I say "bang" and she rolls over like she's dead. She lost to a blind pug whose trick was to dance. Hard to compete with that. I'm so proud of her!

Location:Dallas,United States