Friendship and Love

When I moved to Georgia 5 years ago, I didn't know anyone. Once I quit work and became a stay at home mom I was desperately looking for something to do with Josh to keep our days filled. Josh was 2 at the time. It was winter and while winters in GA are nice, it is sometimes difficult to get to the playground! I started going to story time at the local Borders after I had been a SAHM for about 6 months. There I met Mary, the story teller.

I felt a connection at once. I knew we'd be friends; we have the same sense of humor. At the time, her son was 3 and my son was 2. Her son Cade was Josh's first friend and she was my first friend in Georgia.

Not long after I found out I was pregnant with Sam. I had a few issues with the pregnancy but the worst part was I broke my foot when I was 7 months pregnant. Rich was at work and couldn't get home quickly. I called Mary and she rushed right over to help me. She drove me to doctors appointments, she organized friends of hers to cook dinners for my family. Those friends were becoming my friends, but the "broken foot" incident forced the friendship to a level that normally takes much longer to establish. And, she had just found out she was pregnant with her youngest son.

The friendship I have with Mary is one of my most precious gifts. She is a wonderful person. You can see it in everything she does. Mary's father passed away today after an almost 2 year struggle with Lung Cancer. Jim's fight with Lung Cancer and the struggles are her story. She can explain so much better than I the pain and suffering from this disease. This post isn't about Jim or Cancer. It's about being a good friend to Mary.

She has been such a good friend of mine and I want to repay her. I feel so helpless right now. She's taking care of her mother, organizing the funeral, has more siblings than I can count (half, step & whole), and I'm sure she'll be organizing them all.

I want to help. I just don't know what I can do. I know Mary would say just by being here helps her. I know it does, but I feel so helpless. She was such a great help to me when I needed it and I just want her to know I'm there for her and all she has to do is call. I want her to know I'll do Story Time for her next week if she needs it. I want her to know the kids can come play here if she needs it.

I want her to know she's one of my best friends and I do love her!