This past weekend I had the opportunity to go away with a good girlfriend. Two nights kid free that wasn’t for a conference = heavenly! We shopped and shopped and shopped and went to a spa, and ate, and shopped some more. It was such a lovely treat and a great reminder about how lucky I am to have so many amazing people in my life. B and I have been friends since Grade 7. (Yes, that was more than 20 years ago) I can’t remember exactly the moment we met but we went to school together and except for a few years in our twenties we have been friends ever since. B’s kids are older than mine making her one of my go-to’s for parenting advice.
We travelled to Syracuse, NY to shop and take some time to really explore the area. We did just that. It was truly a blast. Note *I will be blogging about our experiences later this week but I wanted to share more of our story today.
We had a 5+ hour drive to Syracuse. It was a drive that could have been long and filled with many awkward silences. Instead we talked and laughed, and sang, and shared. We discussed everything that was going on in our lives and caught up on some local gossip.
B and I shopped together like we did it every week. We gave each other lots of advice on Christmas gifts, clothing and whether or not to splurge on some items for ourselves. (We did of course!)
On the second night, while having dinner, B got a call from her husband. His grandmother had died and in that moment everything changed. The happiness drained from B’s face and the tears began. This woman, her husband’s grandmother was such an important person in her life, the matriarch of a big, wonderful family. She had taught B lots about love, marriage and family.
We talked for hours about B’s memories of “grandma” and all the wonderful things they did together. We talked about her baking at Christmas, how she always tucked an extra pumpkin pie in the fridge for her grandson and how she loved her great-grandchildren like they were her own. We stayed up late talking and in a way, celebrating her for all that she had given to B and her family.
Instead of getting up early and hitting the last couple of stores, we headed out on a mission to purchase some new dress clothes for B’s kids. As we combed the aisles for black pants, white shirts and a shirt and tie for her husband, I realized that in that moment, there was no where else I would rather be. I didn’t mourn the end of our girls weekend, I didn’t try to find one last bargain, I helped my dear friend purchase funeral clothes for her kids.
Today I thanked the veterans for their service to our country and the world I remembered my grandparents and their involvement and World War Two.
But, I also said thank you for my friends, and prayed B and her family would find a way to honour “grandma” and all she meant to them.
I’m so sorry to hear B’s bad news. She was lucky to have you with her.
I look forward to hearing about the happier parts of your trip.
My family was also involved in World War Two, and this morning my Mom, my daughter and I watched the ceremony together. I can’t wait to teach Hannah what our veterans did for us.
Sarah Lynn recently posted..Baby’s First Cold
So wonderful that you were able to watch the ceremony with your family. It is so important. In our busy lives it is even more important to take time to stop and remember.
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..‘Old’ friends
I am so sorry for your friend’s loss. Losing people we love is always heartbreaking, but you know what, we have our memories and pictures that will remain with us for years to come.
She had you there to comfort her and support her….your weekend getaway was just what it was meant to be…a chance to connect with your friend. We all need to hold on to our loved ones, treasure the precious moments we have with them, because we never know when their or our time will be up.
Tami recently posted..This is who I am
Thank you Tami. So very true. We always need to be reminded to take time and really appreciate the ones we love.
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Mirbeau Inn and Spa, Finger Lakes Region, NY
Aw, how sad for your friend.
But here you are! I missed your posts – I don’t know how I missed your move to the new space! I will update my reader!
Nicole Boyhouse recently posted..Fun with the Sears Catalogue
Thank you Nicole. So glad you found me again!
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Mirbeau Inn and Spa, Finger Lakes Region, NY
Thanks for partying with us today at the CHQ Blog Hop! Have you joined our Ornament Exchange yet? We’d love to have you!! http://www.waittilyourfathergetshome.com/2012/11/03/handmade-holiday-ornament-exchange-2/
xo, Meredith
Meredith @ Wait Til Your Father Gets Home recently posted..{CHQ Blog Hop #15 with Itsy Bitsy Paper}
How wonderful that you were there for your friend to help her through a tough time. I lost my grandmother last week too. In fact, that’s the post that I linked up too!
Jenny @ Creatively Blooming recently posted..My Little Rock Star
Jenny, so sorry for your loss. I hope that you had lots of people helping you through this time.
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Mirbeau Inn and Spa, Finger Lakes Region, NY
Saying hi from SITS Sharefest. What a nice story – even with the sadness – how wonderful that you were there for her and able to help her reminisce and celebrate Grandma. She’ll always remember your kindness and your bond will be even stronger.
Beth (OMG! Yummy) recently posted..Celebrate Thanksgiving Tradition – Try Something New! (persimmon bread perhaps?)
I am so sorry for your friend’s loss. your an amazing friend :) Thanks for linking up with favorite thing.
Jenny recently posted..Favorite Thing Friday Linky 11/16/12