May 6, 2002
-
More Thank You Speeches
Several days back my sister wrote a blog on low maintenace people. That got me thinking on who the low maintenance people are in my life and what that concept means about how I relate to them. Cheryl didn't say, nor do I think she meant, that a low maintenance friend was someone that you could take for granted. Low maintenance people are the ones I appreciate most and so even though they don't make very many demands on me (hence their status as low maintenance) I am more than willing to give them the largest share of my time and energy.
Maureen, is such a person. She is easy to be with, makes no demands and few requests. I admire her as much as anyone I've ever known. She's a single parent who's teen son has a terminal illness. Her mother is gravely ill. And her daughter is leaving home this Fall for college. You'd think that under these circumstances she would be "high maintenance." I know for certain that if I had even half her challenges on my plate, I would be demanding time and attention from everyone I know. I'd be crying on shoulders and whining in my prayers. Maureen handles her life with a humor and grace that I can only marvel at.
She and I live in separate states now. I don't get to talk to her as often as I once did, and I haven't seen her in years. We had hoped to get together this month for her daughter's graduation party, but we are postponing the visit while the family adjusts to her Mom's illness.
When we are finally able to see each other again, I'll have a nice brie, grapes, homemade bread and wine. (Does that tempt you to make your travel arrangements, Mo?) We'll share the communion of fellow pilgrims on the mysterious journey through life. We'll probably cry a little and we'll laugh a lot.
I've heard it said that anyone who gets through life with 3 good friends has been blessed. I'd like to say that (in alphabetical order
) my life has been blessed enormously by Barb, Cheryl, Mary, Maureen, Ruby, and Sandy. In friends, I'm one of the richest people I know. And Hey! My life isn't anywhere near over.
Comments (18)
What a thoughtful blog! I wonder-am I low maintenance?
Oh, that is so sweet of you. I miss Maureen - I was so glad to see her posting on Xanga!
(I came, I read, I posted a comment!
You can let go of the brow beating now!!!)
Wow!
God Bless - Dale
I think I'm hurt. But that is ok, I also think I am fairly high maintainance.
You are blessed.
Nope, not near over by a long shot. Bet you double that number easily.
All I know is if that is how you define high maitenance then Cheryl should remember back to when her child was in the hospital who was there night and day for her.. Who let her move in with her. Who has been through the years been there anytime in need. Who came to the hospital at midnight to sit with her husband who had fell. Who had brought her and her sisters clothes to wear for her grandmothers funeral. I see how much over the years I have been appreciated. That is fine I am through playing the games. You Terri including everyone on this site only know one side of the story. Do you really know who she is??? You know her side of who she is...
I, unfortunately, would have to say I am more high maintenance than not. I'm just very particular with many things and I like them done a certain way. Sometimes I wish I wasn't this way but then again I'm happy!
Maureen sounds like an extraordinary lady indeed. How lucky you are to have such great friends.
Terri,
I shouldn't have brought you into this but she is actually the one who brought the xanga world into this fight. I am sorry and you are welcome to delete my comment. This is about you it is about her and me. I actually am through and this will be the last comment I make on anyones site including my own regarding this. IT IS OVER.. nothing left to say....
These friends give you unconditional love. They have needs of their own but don't expect you to meet them. Jass
My heart goes out to your friend.
True friends can be counted on one hand...Spot
You are right - you ARE easy - you are low maintenance.
Comments are closed.