Twinsight 29 of 50: Hang on to Lifelong Friends



Erica and Jesse

Have you had the experience of going to a wedding of someone you've known since birth and saw grow up through the years? We had that experience last weekend in Chicago. The bride was Erica, and I met her mom, Loria, in my first job out of college, and we subsequently met her dad, Robert, right around the time Erica was born. We quickly fell in love with all three of them. And even though we haven't lived in the same city for most of the time we've known one another, we've managed to stay close friends.

Loria is one of those people you want to talk with for hours (and I have!). She says that strangers on buses and planes frequently pour their hearts out to her. She's a deeply spiritual person, an accomplished business professional, and a trustworthy advisor who brings a classy flair to everything she touches. Robert is a dear, soulful, wise man. And Erica is this amazing blend of the two of them - as beautiful as she is bold, and as warm as she is gutsy. Even if we don't see one another for a year or two, it's like time has stood still since the last time we had a deep conversation and really good laugh.

Leah & Chloe with Erica trying on a dress for a special dance

With Leah, Loria and Erica in downtown Chicago

Now we're looking forward to getting to know Erica's husband, Jesse, as he joins their family. He's a wonderful young man, and their wedding was simply magical - elegant and embracing all at once. As we met other friends of theirs, I just had to smile because it was so clear that what we feel for this family was universal among all of us. In God's providence, our lives had intersected with them somehow and are richer for it.

Last December on the day that Heidi, Sylvia, Loria & I helped Erica find her wedding dress!

Erica watching photos of her and her dad to "My Girl" at the reception

Reception...great fun with Steve & Heidi, in particular

When Leah turned 16, I asked some friends to secretly each write a note to her that I compiled in a book to give her as a "party in a book." Erica is a gifted writer, and had this wise counsel for her that tells you a lot about who she is and what she stands for:

• Remain true to yourself, and don't ever apologize to your critics for being who you are.
• Never forget who you are and where you came from.
• Always remember that your parents will always be there for you. Even when it may seem that you are totally alone or you may be facing something that you may not think that they can possibly understand for whatever reason, I guarantee you they can understand much better than you can ever imagine.
• Own your behavior. If you make a mistake or do something stupid, admit that you did it and learn from your mistakes. People will respect you so much more.
• Learn to love yourself and embrace your shortcomings. This may seem easy, but trust me, it is one of the hardest and most rewarding things you can do.
• Never hesitate to fight for what you think is right.
• Remember that falling in love is the easy part, but falling in love with the right person and working hard to make it work is what separates puppy love from true love.
• Don't give your heart away too easily to make sure whomever you give it to works hard to get your love and loves you for who you are.
• Hold on tight to your dreams and remember they are one thing no one can ever take away from you.
• Believe in yourself. It will make life much easier.
• Realize that if you have at least one person in your life who is truly your friend, one who won't tell your secrets, is your shoulder to cry on and accepts you for who you are, you are truly blessed.

Amen. Cherishing the blessing of lifelong friends today.

To follow this blog, click “follow” in the blue bar at the top, or key your email address into the long white space and click “submit.”