February 18, 2010

Debbie and her Father


Artist: Pablo Picasso
I've been friends with a girl name Debbie since the sixth grade. When she came into my classroom on the first day of school, we immediately bonded, and have been friends ever since. She's one of the most thoughtful and kind human beings that I could ever ask to have as a friend.

Now, I've known Debbie's family for as long as I've known her; let me put it in years - forty one to be exact. Her Father always enjoyed kidding around with me about everything. When I would ring their house doorbell, he'd answer it and say "we gave at the office" and shut the door. One time when I was going there to swim in their super deluxe pool, he answered the door, asked me if I had a club membership card. When I replied "no" he shut the door. He then would re-open the door with a smile on his face. The next weekend, he gave me a club membership card he had printed up. I always enjoyed those times, and vividly remember them with a smile.


Once he took Debbie and I up in his airplane, and was so very concerned about my weakness for motion sickness. We flew along the shoreline, stopped to have breakfast, and flew back to the local airport. What an event that was for me! I didn't stop telling people about it for weeks (until I caught on that they were tired of hearing about it). Mr. "C" as I liked to call him is just a great man, a devoted Husband and a terrific Father.

Mr. C is having some health difficulties. It's a scary time for all of us, especially for his wife and three daughters. I'm trying to help Debbie in any way I can, but somehow the words just aren't enough. She listened to me cry uncontrollably when my Father was dying, and she cried with me. I know this is my turn to cry with her.
I am a firm believer that when the sun shines, soak it in like a juicy peach. Life moves fast. I will always have a special spot in my heart for Debbie and her family.
Happy Birthday Debbie. You are truly a great friend.

18 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday to Debbie and how lucky you both are to have each other as great friends and to be there for each other through smiles and tears. Thinking of you both at this difficult time.

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  2. How wonderful to have a Debbie in your life. I hope she is able to enjoy her birthday and rest assured, prayers going up for her father. You are a good friend.

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  3. What a treasure- both Debbie and her Dad. And you for being such a sweet friend. Friendships that can withstand the test of time-are priceless. Happy Birthday Debbie-I will keep your dear Dad in my prayers.

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  4. Those sound like wonderful memories you have of Debbie and her family.

    Happy Birthday to Debbie and prayers for her father.

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  5. How wonderful that you have each other. That painting is one of my favorites, one art teacher told me, when you look closely, one cannot see who is the giver or the recipient. Both give and both receive.
    Happy birthday to your dear Debbie and please know that I will add her dear Dad to my prayers.
    My Dad is my rock, and so are my good friends.
    pve

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  6. good friends are hard to come by..and when you're lucky enough to have them..hold them close...

    Happy Birthday, Debbie

    you are in my thoughts and prayers

    kary

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  7. How blessed you are to have a friendship like this.

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  8. Good friends are a true blessing as they help us through the bad times and celebrate with us in the good. I am sure your friend appreciates your tender concern for her dad.

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  9. What a lovely post. I, too am blessed with friendships that have not only stood the test of time, but life on life's terms. My own 90 year old father-in-law is currently in the hospital and my heart breaks for anyone who is facing these senior parenting challenges. My parents died a number of years ago, but life long friendships mean so much more than girlfriends - you friend and Mr. C. are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  10. Happy Birthday Debbie! She and you are very bless to have one another and the friendship that runs so deep. My heart breaks for everyone close to Mr. C. With friends with major health issues I would send weekly cards to them to break up their day. I heard from the daughters of one how their mom would look forward to her card, by wondering when the card would arrived also help take away some of the pain she felt. When she became to weak, she asked the girls to read them.

    Have a special weekend my friend. xo

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  11. thanks for stopping by farmhouse and the answer is YES! i would love to go to S.F. and how about Farallon too...

    we haven't been going anywhere really cause i've been so worried about buddy ( my precious doggie)...he gave us a scare..but he is doing good...but to tell you the honest truth..i just can't leave him.......

    :-{

    kary and buddy

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  12. Very heartwarming, Debbie sounds so wonderful to have as a friend. You are too!

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  13. Hi Kathy! I don't understand the post about sales at Nordstrom's. What am I missing?

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  14. I'm so sorry to hear this sad news, but I'm glad Debbie has a friend like you to help her through.

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  15. Happy Birthday, Debbie!

    I thought of this as I read your post: "Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn." (Romans 12:15)

    I think it's a blessing when we can share both...the rejoicing and the mourning. It's in those times we each become bonded closer to the other. I am praying for you all...

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  16. want to meet me in san francisco for cream puffs?

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  17. You are a wonderful friend, Kathleen. I will keep you, Debbie and both her parents in my prayers.

    - Deborah

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Thanks for visiting.
~ Kathleen ~