The Choices We Make

We all make choices along this road we call life. Everyday in our lives we have some degree of decision making. Some of the choices we make are good ones and some end up being bad ones. Often those choices are fairly simple – what to eat, what to wear, which TV show to watch, and the list can go on and on. We also make many significant and difficult choices as well. Perhaps one of the most significant choices we ever make are the friends we choose to walk along this road with us. When we’re young and make friends we often assume they’ll be with us forever. As it turns out sometimes they are; more often they’re not. As we get older we learn to distinguish between those people who are acquaintances and those who are friends. The acquaintance says sure I’ll help you move; the friend actually shows up. The friend stays by our side no matter what. They give us a shoulder to lean or cry on; listen when they really don’t have time, but listens anyway. They know everything about us and they love us anyway. I’m lucky to have one of those friends. Although I have recently moved 500 miles away she still keeps in touch with me by email and phone call. She has been with me through happiness and heartache. Even though she is 500 miles away I know she’ll always be there for me as I will be for her. I celebrated a birthday on Valentine’s Day and she surprised me with a Nicholas Sparks novel. Being the true friend she is, she knew he was one of my favorite authors. Notice the bookmark she so lovingly made for me as well. It has a heart and amethyst crystals to signify my Valentine birthday. Such thoughtful choices. I can hardly wait to read the book. Did I mention it’s about an attractive redhead!! The title as you can see is The Choice. The book jacket says it ultimately confronts us with the most heart-wrenching question of all: How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive? Today as I sit looking out my sun room window watching the deer eat the corn put out for them and the snow of the recent storm starts to melt I ask you gentle readers, how far would you go to keep the hope and love of a wonderful friendship? Doris, my dear friend, “even though time can bring many changes to our lives, the wonderful friendship we share is for always.” I love you old friend.