Way back when, when I was born, I was lucky enough to come to a family full of FAMILY and friends so close to my parents and grandparents they also were considered FAMILY!
On my father’s side, his mother had a best friend…one she made after she moved to Eckert, Colorado after the death of her first husband (the father of my Dad). Iva and Grandma shared many things together, including their sons.
Although, Iva’s son was a little bit older than my Dad they became excellent friends.
Both of these friendships–my grandmother’s and my dad’s lasted their lifetimes.
But the gift I received was the joy of the two daughters of Dad’s best friend–Judy and Dixie. Judy was a year older than Dixie and I, but Dixie and I were just two weeks apart. From the time of our birth we were best friends forever…she was the sister of my heart. I still miss her. Judy and I, Dixie’s children and the rest of the world lost Dixie from cancer when she was still a young woman.
I still feel her heart across the void — that huge gulf— called the Other Side.
My oldest granddaughter has had that same kind of wondrous friendship, although theirs started in the First Grade.
They have grown so much! We are lucky because the girls like to stay with us!
There is something to be said for taking your heart, giving it a huge toss and hoping the person you are tossing it to will catch it and keep it forever more!
When they do…you are more than blessed!
Sending love to each of you, my friends!
Linda
Life on a Colorado Farm 