Here’s to friendships

When I got home tonight, I saw that among the usual mail (bills, bills, and more bills!) was an envelope addressed to me and it didn’t look like a bill. Could it actually be a letter or card? Yup! My friend Bonnie had sent me a birthday card. Not just any card, mind you. Bonnie had taken some pictures that I’d shared on social media and used these to create a beautiful card with some images from my recent trip to Italy, and she also added a lovely message.

I looked at the card and I cried. What a thoughtful gesture. Bonnie is like that. Thoughtful, Sweet. Kind. Selfless. Seeing her card and reading the message hit me hard. In a good way. I’ve known Bonnie a LONG time. We met way back in the early 80s when we both worked in the same office. From the first time we spoke, I knew I had a new friend.

A true friend

If you look at us superficially, you probably wouldn’t think we had much in common. Bonnie is quiet and shy. I’m neither! I’m loud. I have opinions and I’m not afraid to voice them. Bonnie is devout. I’m not. Bonnie speaks quietly and uses proper language. I can swear like a sailor! And yet we not only did we become friends, but we’ve remained friends and our friendship has grown and deepened over the years.

When we first met, Bonnie was quite exotic in my eyes. Although we were about the same age, she was already married! Let’s just say I was nowhere near matrimony at that point in my life! I was very busy dating! Yet, we found common ground. Sometimes we would go for long bike rides and we’d pack a picnic. We’d chat at lunch and confide in each other. Good times. If memory serves me, we both enjoyed a good meal. I actually learned to appreciate vegetarian meals because of Bonnie! Ha! All these years later, I’m a vegetarian. Isn’t life weird?

No tech? No problem!

The years went by and we stayed in touch. For years, there was no internet, Skype, or WhatsApp. Hell, we didn’t even have email! Primitive, right? And our friendship grew. While I’ve lived in Montreal since the 80s, Bonnie’s life took her from Ottawa,to Kingston, and finally to California. And in spite of the lack of high tech tools, we stayed in touch. Some years, it was only a Christmas card. Other years, there were a couple of phone calls. Each time we reconnected, it was like time had stood still. We picked up right where we left off.

Life hasn’t always been easy for Bonnie. Yet, she’s the most determined and optimistic person I know. I admire her perseverance and strength of character. I admire her faith. I find her optimism and strength so inspiring. Bonnie has the best laugh: a genuine, from the belly laugh that just fills a room.

A seed was planted

Many years ago, I received and email from Bonnie telling me that she was training for a marathon. A marathon? Isn’t that a LOT of kilometres? Well, yes, it’s 42 kms. And my buddy trained and ran a marathon. This inspired me. At the time, I tucked this inspiration away. Many years later, this  inspiration resurfaced when I started training for my first half marathon.

Thank you Bonnie. I treasure you and our friendship. So, here’s to lifelong friends. I’ve learned so much from my amazing friends. They’ve a diverse lot. Young, young at heart, funny, inspiring, smart, loving are a few words to describe them. Over the years, they’ve inspired me, lent me a shoulder to cry on, made me laugh, and even kicked my butt when needed.