For our children’s great friendships.
Growing up, both my husband’s home and mine were always open to our friends. Often, they could be found at the kitchen table eating our Moms’ cooking or just hanging out. They were friends from school, church, and work, and they were always welcome. At times, I’d come home and find any one of them chatting away with my mother; or find my best friend delivering my grandfather’s favorite donuts. Great friends. Period. They were welcome, they felt it, and it showed. Today, I’m glad to say most of them remain our close friends. What a blessing it is to have God in charge of our connections.
Fast-forward 30 plus years, and the story repeats itself, now with our kids’ friends, some of whom have been around since childhood. Others, more recent relationships, but equally special. A couple of them from out of town have even made our home their Miami vacay pad. Often during the summer, you can find Lauren’s and Danny’s friends cooling off in our pool, waiting for the afternoon round of cafecitos, or at our kitchen table enjoying my cooking (the couple of dishes I do make). They, in turn, show us their love by baking us cookies during their visit, bringing me flowers and travel-size Nutella packs (yum!), and even letting us have their Fastpasses to the hottest Disney ride (quite the sacrifice for this Disney crew). Like it was for us, their friends feel welcome in our home and it shows.
We enjoy having these kids around and getting to know them. We love their smiles and warm hugs. And, most importantly, we get to see what great friends they are to Lauren and Danny. We are so very grateful for the love and camaraderie among these young adults. What parent wouldn’t want that for their child?
This post is dedicated to:
Kristin, Ellen, Kevin, Gabe, Andrea, Elizabeth, the rest of the Disney crew, Alena, Stephanie, Lauren C., Danny F., Dan, Noah, Crystal, Christy, Alex, Gaby, Andres, Vicky, and Juanky.
What are you thankful for today?
Until next Thursday’s post…si Dios quiere.
“Your love, Jesus, is an ocean
with no shore to bound it.
And if I plunge into it, I carry
with me all the possessions
I have. You know, Lord,
what these possessions are—
the souls you have seen
fit to link with mine.”
-St. Thérèse of Lisieux
“You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn’t depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.”
-T.L. Stewart
“Your children are the greatest gift God will give to you, and their souls the heaviest responsibility He will place in your hands. Take time with them, teach them to have faith in God. Be a person in whom they can have faith. When you are old, nothing else you’ve done will have mattered as much.”
-L. Wingate
Another great post, Connie! And so relatable to all us parents….and grandparents…..BFF easily transforms into BFFF (Best Family Friends Forever)!!! Love it! 😉 Boop
This brings back fond memories of my children and their friends. I remember the days of cooking meals for my all my children and their friends, helping them with homework. But this one memory I will always treasure; my favorite cat had passed away, and just when I couldn’t shed one more tear or bawl anymore, a parade of my children’s friends started arriving. One by one they arrived. We hugged and chatted about my cats funny antics…That memory will always be remembered as God sending his Angels when I most needed them. To think of it, we are all Angels, a family… the family of God.
~Thanks Connie for such a beautiful post, you are our Angel!
Hello, Alleda! How’s everything in your neck of the woods? We miss you!
Love this post! So true, growing up my friends were always at my house. I also remember my brother’s friend (after they were all married), come over for Sunday lunch. They loved my mom’s cooking, especially her tostones. They all still remain close, almost 50 years later.
My good friend, Connie, we have known each other since childhood and have been there for each through it all with Esther at our side. Good friends forever. Those that are with us during our most difficult times are more than friends, they are the family we chose and our Lord made sure they entered into our lives! Love you always, my friend!!!!
Liani, thru thick and thin, my friend. Love you back.
Thank you both for always being so hospitable. My friends cherish you dearly. Love you so much. I pray to be that welcoming home when I have my own ❤️.
I’m totally sure you will, mama. 🙂 ♥
This is what I miss so much since I moved away from family and friends, but now have the opportunity to add new friends to my list!! One of the nicest surprises of all is I have found old schoolmates and friends who live close by! I still have to go home (Miami will always be home) for special occasions – birthdays, special get togethers, or just to see friends! Miss you Connie.
Hello, my friend! Miss you too!