Nearly a Century of Friendship

Over the past few days, Mom and I have received donations from some dear friends. As I was walking home from work last night, I realized that if I add up all of the years that these ladies have been part of our lives, it comes to almost 100 years of friendship!

Shortly after we moved from Canada to Connecticut in 1980, Mom and I became friends with a lovely mother-daughter duo named Lucille and Amy. We did Brownies, Girl Scouts, and ballet together and had several play dates as well. After we moved to New Jersey in 1984, Lucille, Amy, and their family, came to Ridgewood each year for the Memorial Day Run. Amy and I lost touch after we went off to college, but earlier this year, we reconnected, and I am happy about that. Mom and I are so touched by their support for our walk.

And speaking of Canada, when we moved there in 1979, I was befriended by Sherry. We became the closest of friends, and because my home was a bit far from school, I often went over to Sherry's house for weekday lunches. I can still remember the yummy cookies that Sherry's mom served with almost every lunch. Sherry and I have been friends for almost 30 years now, and although we haven't seen each other since Memorial Day weekend in 2001, we remain in touch. I am so thankful for her donation.

Then there is Catherine, who has been a dear friend of mine for almost a decade. We met on my first day of work at the American Institutes for Research, and after working there for five years, we headed off to the Homeland Security Institute together. Now, for the first time in years, Catherine and I aren't co-workers, and I miss her every day. We try to see each other as often as we can, and I had lunch with her this past Saturday, as well as with her friend, Catie, who lost her mom to breast cancer five years ago next month. In 2005, Catherine and Catie did the breast cancer walk, and I enjoyed hanging out with Catherine's parents to cheer the walkers on--and I even walked the last nine miles with Catherine and Catie! When I walked in 2006, Catherine and her parents were there several times along the way to encourage me along, and I am so happy to have her in my life. She is one of the finest human beings I know, and Mom and I count ourselves lucky to have her as one of our supporters. Here is a picture of Catherine, Catie, and me during the 2005 walk.Thanks to the generosity of these four wonderful women and our many other contributors, Mom and I have now raised . . .drum roll, please. . . .SIX THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS!!! I can't believe it!