Friends

This week we had the opportunity to connect with some old friends.  Isn't it great when you get to see old friends and you feel like you just picked up right where you left off?  Early in the week, we were visited by Gracie's very first friend, Vincent, and his family.  Vincent's mom, Valerie, and I met each other through church when Gracie and Vincent were 6 months old.  We instantly hit it off and started getting the kiddies together for "play dates".  Which is funny, because at 6 months old they really couldn't play with each other, but it was so nice to have another mom to chat with and go on adventures with.  Our hubbies got along too, so we would get together for dinners or outings together as families.  My hubby and Valerie's hubby traveled a lot for work, so many times it was just the moms and the kids getting together during the day to play or having dinner together.   We spent lots of time together!  Valerie has two other boys - Dominick and Joey who are about the same age as my Emma and Lily.  It was so nice to have someone who knew exactly what I was going through at each stage.

Gracie and Vincent have a special bond with each other.  They have always gotten along so well even though they had different interests.  Vincent is such a sweet boy and has always been so kind to Gracie.  Gracie thinks he's just the funniest thing.  They loved playing together and could always come up with something to entertain themselves.  The younger sisters and brothers never got along with each other as well as Gracie and Vincent did.  Right after kindergarten, they moved to Florida.  Gracie was heartbroken to have her buddy move.  I was sad to see them go too.  Valerie and I spent so much time together with the kids and always had fun.  They were are "go to" family when it came to going on adventures to the zoo, the playground, just about anywhere.

We've kept up with each other through email, cards, and letters.  But of course, that's not the same.   They were all set to come back and visit last summer and then Vincent became really ill.  He had pneumonia which turned into an infection that attacked his heart.  He spent almost the entire summer in the cardiac intensive care unit at a children's hospital in Florida.  His heart wasn't working well at all and his parents even met with a transplant team.  We were just devastated for him and his family.  I can't even begin to imagine how awful it must have been for Valerie and Jim.  However, by the grace of God, Vincent's heart started to heal on it's own.  Prayer is a powerful thing and Vincent is doing great today!  He left the hospital at the end of last summer with many heart meds and restricted activity.  This summer, his heart is doing awesome!  He's only on one heart medicine and is no longer restricted on any activities.  In celebration, Valerie decided to take the boys on a month long trip to see family and friends back in Ohio.

It was so great to see them all!  Let me tell you, the tears were flowing when we finally got to see each other.  Vincent and Gracie picked up right where they left off.  You would never have been able to tell that it had been two years since they had seen each other.  Valerie and I chatted just as much as we did back in the day.  They were here for two days and we all had such a great visit.

Gracie and Vincent when they were around 4.  They loved riding around in Vincent's gator.  

Looking sweet in their sunglasses during a visit to the zoo. 

Best buddies during our visit this week.  

The bigger kids playing legos.  

The whole crew!  They were thrilled to have their picture taken, can you tell?!

The crew again at the local park.  

Valerie and me

 On Thursday, one of my oldest friends from my school days,  Jen, was in town with her oldest son.   They were in town to go to an Indian's game and had a few hours to pop in for a visit.  Jen and I have known each other since we were 5 yrs old.  It's always nice to see her.  We get to see each other about once or twice a year and of course, keep up through email and phone calls.  She lives about 4 hours from us.  Unfortunately, their visit was so quick that I didn't get any pictures.  I'll have to get some next time.

So happy I had the chance to catch up with some old friends this week.

A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be.  ~Douglas Pagels