Friends

I met Leslie in 1979, and it was love at first sight. We became fast friends, and she has always meant a great, great deal to me. She is a ‘sister,’ along with some of my other very close female friends. I wrote to her on her birthday in July but got no reply. I let time go by, and then last week I wrote a long much more personal email to her. Again, no reply, but it’s only been six days. Still, when I hear from someone dear to me after a long absence, I write back immediately. It’s easy to do because I get so excited hearing from them.

On reflection, I’ve realized that for decades it has always been me that initiated an exchange or a get-together and that’s had me realize that I’ve likely not been a valued friend for quite a while. I think Les does just fine on her own. I hope that I’m wrong, but I fear I’ve lost another friend. Sigh.

Oh well, move on!

Yesterday we walked with our friends in the morning, and it was just the nicest walk. The weather is perfect for walking, and I’ve become very fond of the women with whom I walk three times a week. We’ve been walking for seven years. The members change every once in a while, but the current membership of our group is awesome.

I watered everywhere thoroughly yesterday, so that I can enjoy the entire days with Paula while she is here. And I tidied and cleaned in advance of her visit. I’ve prepped the materials with which to bake a plumb cake because Pete visited yesterday and gave me a large bag of fresh-picked Italian plumbs.

I’ve made no plans for Paula’s visit. We ‘wing it’ together very comfortably. She arrives at 10:00 in Silva Bay. She’s taking the float plane to come here. I’ll bring her home and she can settle, and then she wants to go out for lunch, so on the way back, I’m going to propose that we walk the Elder Cedar trail so Sheba is tuckered out and will sleep while we lunch.

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What the Hell I s happening? I’m now regularly getting eighty visitors a day to my blog. I’m shocked because I’ve been writing for my friends these past nine years since I lost my speech and moved to Gabriola. But what a thrill. I hope Sharon won’t mind, but I got a comment yesterday from her that may explain the very modest growth of my readership.

“I like the pictures, Chris, but I read your blog even when you weren't able to publish pictures. I find your blog gentle, grounding, funny, sad, joyful. Reading your blog is one of the first things I do and has become part of my morning routine. It always takes me to a good place. Even when there's sadness or anger, it's real and relatable. I am very grateful for your blog and of course to you for sharing your life, your home, your garden, your furry family, your people, with those of us who have been fortunate enough to discover you. I feel sometimes like you have become a friend who I might never meet, but a friend nevertheless. Every time I do go to Gabriola, I harbour a wish to accidentally run into you and shake your hand or maybe even give you a hug.”

What a lovely note to send, eh?! Sincere thanks to you, Sharon Dawn. I’m really moved and thrilled by your kindness.

I lose a friend; I make a friend.