How Friendships Have Changed Me This Year

December 16 – Friendship. How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?

I have to start out by saying that I must drive my German friends crazy. In Germany it is said that to have one or two friends in a lifetime is to be very lucky. Friendship is taken very seriously there. I on the other hand have lots and lots of people I consider friends. People make fun of me all the time when they notice that I have 1900 plus friends on Facebook. I love people! I always have. So when I read a question about "a friend" my mind just starts to try and think of just one, and that is just impossible. For me, this is not even realistic!

I work with a good friend, Lisa T. Earlier this fall she suggested that I re-read the book, "Who Moved My Cheese?" I had had my class load at UNK cut in half and was now having to work three part-time jobs instead of one. It has taken it's toll on me. After I read that book I realized that I was going to have to go with the change or I would continue to be miserable. I knew I couldn't live like that. So in this case, the change suggested by Lisa happened in a matter of just an hour or so. I highly suggest the book if you haven't read it lately!

Another friend of mine is so good about taking control of her physical body. My friend Pam gets up everyday at 5;00 AM and works out at the YMCA. Now Pam doesn't love this but she knows that if she doesn't she will not be the person she really wants to be. She has been faithful to this routine. She look amazing! She acts so happy. She walks everyday in addition to her work out schedule. She is such a great example to me! Way to go! Although I haven't followed her lead, I know that she is a great source of support for when I need her.

My friend Dickie is so wonderful! She has been like my BFF for 20 years. We talk every Sunday night. She is working with the Young Women at church right now and I am teaching the youth of the same age. She and I talk and solve all the worlds problems together. She has raised her children and I know that I can call her night or day and she will have a listening ear. She is a great source of encouragement. I love that I always feel welcome around her! She is generous to a fault. Thank you for your guestroom! I know I have an escape get-a-way when needed! That is the best!

Over the last 27 years I have maintained a friendship with one of my missionary companions. When I was a missionary for the LDS church in Germany back in 1984 and 1985 I worked with a wonderful woman from LaVerkin, UT. Our friendship is one that is constant. We exchange cards and letters and brief phone calls. We call here and there but our paths in life never cross. As we read each other's blogs and comment on life, we seem to be able to support what each other is doing. I admire her so much. She is am amazing woman. Her friendship has transformed me into doing things in my life so much better. She leads a simple but amazing life. I love that! My perspective of the world is made stronger as I see her cope with life changes and do it with grace and love! Thanks for being my friend Patty!

I am sure that many of my friends have helped me in my journey this year. I think about my dear friend Carrie who just gave birth to her fifth child. A darling with boy with Down's. She is an amazing woman! Cache is so lucky to have her as a mother! Really! I think about my friends who are battling cancer. I think about the friends I have lost. I think about the 90 year old friend I called this week who had just buried her second child. She told me that no one should have to bury their child. I think about those that have married for the first time. Those of my friends who have moved. My life will never be the same! I am so grateful for what I learn from others! Thank you!