Friend: (according to Webster) 1. a person whom one knows well and is fond of
2. an ally, supporter, or sympathizer

Think back to your childhood.who was your first non-family-member friend?

Mine was Tammy, she lived a mile away, we had many days of playing with Barbie's (she even had a Ken doll!), riding bike, and doing fun stuff on her granddad's farm - horses, jeeps, mini-bikes, and frozen ponds. Wow, what childhood memories!

My first memory of Tammy is when we attended a high school sponsored "Play-School"; I believe we were 3 or 4 years old. (That was back in the days of Home Economics classes and Future Homemakers of America.) We attended all of our school years in the same district, and were even placed in different classrooms in 3^rd grade so we would learn to know other kids as well! We graduated the same year, and, of course, were in each others weddings. Babies came, and life took us in different directions, but when we see each other today that "fond"ness of friendship still remains.

Another friend - perhaps an unlikely friendship according to the world - is my mother-in-law, Esther. I love time spent with my mother-in-law. Whether it's an hour walk, a road trip to wherever, a day spent working on a project (or Christmas shopping), or days in a row on vacation. I can always count on good conversation and laughter..lots of laughter.

We entered each other's lives back in 1975, when her son and I first had "eyes" for each other. I was a bit intimidated by her for the first several years, but ultimately her friendship, and what I now recognize as mentoring, has probably had more influence on who I am today than any other relationship I can think of. (yup, you can blame her! =)

Esther was the first adult that I remember talking to me.not telling me, not teaching me (although she did end up teaching me a lot too), but just talking to me. Perhaps what she did best was listen, and then she and I talked thru the possibilities. Talking, listening, encouraging, I think we still do that for each other today.

Now don't get me wrong.we don't always see eye to eye on every topic of conversation. In fact, we've had some heated conversations regarding a variety of subjects! But the willingness to listen and talk thru the possibilities has brought us closer and closer thru the years. That is a gift, a precious gift that I am so thankful for!

She's been a great example of mentoring, mothering, and friendship. Her support thru all these years has been invaluable. I just hope someday I can be that kind of mother-in-law!

Until next time.
Beth

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