On Friendship and Similairity

I've always been shy.  I honestly don't know how I managed to make friends growing up since I was not an initiator in any way.  My childhood friends must have tried really hard to befriend me.  In early elementary school I had 2 good friends.  Kristy and Tawnya.  We did everything together.  Kristy's grandparents lived a couple houses up the street from me and we hung out a lot, even after her family moved far away.  Tawnya was being raised by a single Dad in the 80's (not a very common occurrence in that day and age), just like me.  We were best friends all through elementary school and stayed in touch for a long time afterwards, even though my family had moved across town. Even now we are friends on FB and I love hearing about all the great things she is doing for our youth in a neighboring city.

Kristy and Tawnya each had one brother, just like me.  Kristy's brother died in an auto accident while he was in high school.  Tawnya's brother also died due to an auto accident when he was way too young.  At the time I learned Tawnya's brother had died my brother, Merle, was serving in the US Navy in Bahrain.  I was so scared something would happen to him and I would lose him.  I am so thankful that he is here with us still and it is always in the back of my mind that I can't EVER take him for granted.

I love you Merle!  Thank you for being my brother.  I promise to always be thankful for you and never take your presence in my life for granted.

   

This post was inspired by Saturday Night Widows by Becky Aikman. After being kicked out of her widow support group for being too young, Becky creates her own support group with an unusual twist. Join From Left to Write on February 14 as we discuss Saturday Night Widows. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes. 

Author Q&A with Becky Aikman hosted by From Left to Write Editor Thien-Kim Lam.  Check it out, but be careful, there are spoilers towards the end.