Friendship Has No Boundaries
Friday, April 25, 2014 at 08:39PM
Meet my friend Ria...I suppose to some she would be an unlikely friend for me, but not so. She is the perfect friend for me. She is kind, loving, smart and very interesting and she is a wonderful photographer. We met in the big blur of Flickr..and our joy in photography intoduced us but our joy in each other is what grew this unique friendship. This Easter brought Ria and my family together. A meeting that came full circle after my meeting her and her fiance in Chicago...her home town, a few years back.
As I looked out over my dining room table..my heart was full as I observed how fortunate I have been in my life to have so much love in this tiny room...and this Easter I enjoyed not only the company of my own children, I had two warm and fuzzy little boys there, my sons lovely girlfriend Angela and then the gift of friendship with Ria and Nick joining us. A full table..and so much to be thankful for.
So Ria came and she got to meet the family that she has heard so much about and witnessed so often in photo's on Facebook...she no longer posts to Flickr so when she moved to Facebook I soon followed her. Her connection to the boys was instant...of course she came bearing gifts..she knows the ways into little boys heart...
Liam was greatly impressed that Ria knew of his love of horses and especially that his horse Penny was white and so his smile tells her that her gift for him was perfect...
For me, it was such a natural feeling watching Ria, Nick and my family get to know each other so easily. I felt like a Mama Hen...as all these young Chicks communicated about their lives..and it is through this communication that I blend my young friend with my young adult children..so that as we move forward our friendship with each other continue to grow.
This is one of the photo's that I will frame from last Sunday...The Girls..How sweet and lovely they are. Their beauty brings such warmth to my life..and I love Mothering them all.
You know that saying.."All good things must come to an end"...it's true..Once again I had to say goodbye to Ria and now, Nick ...Ria and I have a unique friendship..it has no boundaries, we surpass age, background, religion and distance, yet we continue to grow in conversation, photography and most especially in our ability to know that real friendship and respect transcend all that would make such a friendship unlikely. She has made my life richer just in knowing her. Since the early years of Flickr, Ria has never let very much time pass without connecting with me. What defines a beautiful friendship is not the big things...it's all the little things that take time and attention. It's like tending a garden. I like to think that we both are good gardeners to each other...I look forward to my next visit to Chicago..perhaps it will be for a very special occasion...wink, wink Ria...
“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.” Mary Oliver
Hooking up wth Kim Klassen (another Friend) at Friday Finds...
Reader Comments (9)
What a lovely get together and it's true age is no boundary to friendships. I love seeing what you are up to Cheryl....
Oh my gosh!!! Cherly! This is just simply so beautiful----photos----words---the smiles---I can feel the warmth of family and friendship!! This just makes my weekend even more special, reading this.. Sigh!!! You are truly blessed my friend!! xx
Thank you Viv and Beverly for your visit and lovely comments...you both are becoming such wonderful friends also and it's amazing how small the world can be...now I just have to get across the pond again...Beverly you should be a bit easier....xoxo
You are just warmth personified, my dear, special friend!
Happy Happy! Love all around. Your storytelling is a gift . . .
Sweet Dreams!
Thank you Antoinette for the visit, lovely comment and also for your Friendship...xoxo
This is wonderful...I love meeting blog buddies! Next time you come up to Chicago...let me know!!!
As I read this I just smiled and smiled...it is so YOU! As I have seen over and over in your posts you have a talent for friendship and the bonds you form are based on the most important and deep things, not superficial ones. You are a true role model for all the women who know you, Cheryl.
I had to make a quick pit-stop today just to remind myself of the fun times we had. What a fun day, and I miss those boys so much! Would love to see you all again soon. I cannot wait for you to come visit us. Or we will pay you a surprise visit in Maine :-)
Hey Sweet Girl...so nice to see you here...it was a beautiful day and I miss you also...I know you must be over the moon happy this summer though...You and Nick have so many special times coming up...I'll be there for that important one...catching up with you soon...xoxo