The Spirit of Friendship...

Just wanted to take a minute to share with you some of the wonderful outreaches of support that have been shown over the past couple of months.
I have heard from folks I don't know, folks that Frieda doesn't know and/or folks that don't know ANY of us. I have carried so much strength from every call, every email and contact. Those extensions of kindness have enabled me to stay focused and moving forward on the matters at hand.
This particular email just came in from a mutual friend of mine and Frieda's, Martha Myers of Bolivia, NC. Martha has been instrumental in "being there." She's one of those folks you always know is truly thinking of you, praying for you and doing all she can from a distance. She put together the box of goodies for Frieda a while back that we enjoyed so much. Most of all, she continues to give us support in such wonderfully creative ways. I wanted to share the latest creation with you! (the picture posted here today.)
Connie Harris of Raleigh wrote that she had met Frieda only once. At that time, Frieda was basically giving her "guff" about WHY ON EARTH she would put her salad dressing on her fork and THEN stab at the salad. Typically Frieda, right?
I have heard SO many stories from people who were touched, if only briefly, by Frieda Hudson. We are all such fortunate people as a result.
Bruce Miller of the Washington, DC area doesn't know either of us. Yet from the very beginning, he has shared support, he has shared his connections to Oriental, he has shared his own experiences with a stroke and many other touching bits of information.
My aunt emailed me just a few minutes ago. We had been discussing via email our relationships with our friends. She has always been very strong and very realistic in "tough matters." Today was no exception. In the email she reminded me of the time we spent with my great-grandmother, who was her grandmother. Marah made 5 generations of "us." She recalled a specific and important event that the two of us shared with "Granny." That too is giving me strength today.
At the end of her email, she left a quote that was absolutely perfect for me. And I'll share it with you:
"May the Sun Warm You and the Moon Restore You and May the Stars Shine on You."
Since I collect all things "celestial," I smiled and connected with that instantly.
Chins up everyone. Life is so fragile, so precious and so brief. I want to appreciate every second and appreciate all the many gifts and talents that we as human beings have that will delight, comfort and support each other in the most difficult times.
All the stories, quips and memories that you have shared with me about Frieda serve to remind me just how fortunate I am in my own life. My deep bond, love and affection for my friend Frieda Hudson remains full speed ahead and unwaivering.
Frieda always has full command of "the stage" and God knows I love her for it.

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