I’m grateful for many things in my life, certainly on the top of my list is Michael, my family and my DJB family but as a 52-year-old woman I find that my female friendships are one of the things I hold most dear. My group of “Pickled Hens” are a close-knit gaggle of girls. Some I’ve known over 30 years, others have only been close in the last 10 or so. Of course we do all the fun stuff together… we travel, camp, dine and laugh. Celebrating the good times and our shared achievements. Most importantly, I find they are my support system and I hope I’m theirs. Between my weekly walks with my bestie Sara, my morning chats with Janis on our drive to work, spilling tea with Lisa about our shared challenges I know I’m not alone. My weekends spent with my hens Sandra, Amy & Lynne gathering for games and drinks or planning our next adventure, I always have something to look forward to. Looking forward is integral to hope and joy. I have great contentment in my life.
Recently one of the Hens called me, it was late, I was tired, but I was just scrolling Instagram so why not pick up the phone??! After a good hour of gossiping and laughter, I felt recharged, relaxed and cherished. Jen had said to me that night that my phone number was one of few numbers she knew by heart. I laughed and said… that’s because its easy, there are only 3 different digits in it… and she said no… it’s because she knows no matter when she calls… just in case if something bad was happening to her, I would pick up. She always has someone to call. I answer those late-night calls because I know she would do the very same for me. One of the Hen’s fathers passed away recently and I watched with great love as our Hens circled around her figuratively and literally. We’ve been through this before, we’ll hit more rough roads, but we always know we have each other. They are a great comfort to me. On a more joyful note, two of the girls stopped up at the Bistro and “flower bombed” me! I had just recently cleaned the flower boxes out front, planted a few tulips, crocus and hyacinth but the boxes were still rather empty. Wednesday morning as I was doing my pre-check of the dining room before we opened for service, I saw a woman digging in my flower boxes… I was like what the heck?!? Then I realized Jen and Janis were out there. They planted so many pansies. They are beautiful, thank you girls! I feel the love and joy they were planted with. Take time to smell the flowers. Cheers, Sharon
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