Friendship ...

This morning, as I left Mary and Lee's house, Lee said: "We are going to have to buy you are really good gift for all the help you've given us." To this, I replied: "No, just be my friend."

The last week or so, I've been helping off and on at Mary and Lee's house, getting their garage-now-master bedroom into order.  Last week I worked on mudding/texturizing the ceiling, then crown moulding, then last night it was door casings and trim.  Tonight -- likely baseboards, but who is to say what may come tonight.

It isn't particularly hard work -- but it is labor-intensive.  With Mary now 2 weeks, 1 day from baby arrival, she cannot help with the construction any more.  I volunteered to be Lee's assistant, and thus, after work, I change clothes from office worker to construction worker.  I feel kinda like Supergirl :)

I grew up this way -- with friends helping my parents, and my parents returning the favor.  I remember many a day/weekend/week spent by my parents helping with someone else's home project, only to receive that help in return when it was their turn.

I've never thought much about it, let alone thought about a gift for such actions.  Their friendship is a gift to me -- without them, I doubt I would have lasted a year down here.  This has been a hard place for me to live -- so far removed from friends and family.  I came down here knowing no one here, and I've made a few good friends -- Mary and Lee among them.

When I look back to this morning's comment by Lee -- I just shake my head.  Friendship is a give and take.  Sometimes you give, sometimes you take and sometimes it is a combination of both.  To have good friends, you must be a good friend.  I don't want to be any less, nor do I want less for myself. 

In closing -- thanks friends.  You are there for me through thick and thin.  I couldn't ask for better -- and I love all of you.

xoxoxoxx, Athena