What do chocolates and friendships have in common? Lots. And I am not talking about Sees Candies or Russell Stover's chocolates. I am referring to the "good stuff."
Take "besties" for example. They are the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary. And sometimes, the packaging is just as luscious as the creamy inside.
Okay maybe that is a stretch. Those of you who have been to Paris and have had chocolates from a world renowned chocolatier like La Maison du Chocolat know the difference. Really though, as I get older, the word "friendship" takes on a far different meaning compared to when I was sixteen...perhaps because the saying, "life is too short" takes on a very different flavor. Peers and acquaintances are found sitting in the church pew next to you or in the check out line at your local market. What I feel is much harder as we get older are developing dear friends and those we consider our "besties." Dear friends are those friendships where maybe you didn't grow up together, and perhaps they don't know your deepest secrets and yet, they have touched your heart. I tend to use a simple barometer when thinking about friendships. Do they know my birthday? and I theirs? And no looking at the calendar either...that is cheating. So simple, right? And yet, it represents a deeper level of caring.
Take my dear friend, Marian Mc. (the woman on the right alongside her twin sister.) Marian is the "you can't tell a book by its cover" kind of person. We met two years ago playing pickleball. While her legs might be short, don't let that fool you. She commands the court!
Marian exudes happiness. She shines a light so bright you need to wear sunglasses and her heart is as big as the Mississippi river. Marian is an awesome pickleball player, drives a sports car, has a wicked Massachusetts accent, volunteers with to many organizations to list, and lives by her personal creed "faith, family, and friendships." While our schedules don't often sync up, I love her dearly for who she is and how I feel when I am with her. And, our birthdays...we love celebrating together!
...And sometimes you win the lottery...those are the friendships that become family. The family you get to choose. They are the best chocolates in the box. Little did I know when I took up water volleyball four years ago I would win the lottery.
Meet Steve and Keri N. Keri says "we are sisters from another mister."...whatever it is, we are family. We accept and respect each other for who we are and no topic is off limits. To me, family is everything, and I cherish those moments I get to spend with mine. And like some families, we can get wild and crazy. After all...there are three Leos and two Steves between us!...you get the idea.
Whatever you preference...handle with care, and treasure the uniqueness of each one. And if you haven't tried chocolates from a world chocolatier, go for it! Life is too short.
This blog is dedicated to Joe (Jody) Conner. My soul brother from another lifetime.
He could make me laugh by just looking in my direction.
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