Speaking of Spirit

By Internet Archive Book Images  [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons After sixty odd years of life, I have come to realize that friendship is a treasure that blesses us in ways we often can't imagine. Friends, especially those who are lifelong , bring affirmation, acceptance, laughter, and much love into our lives. Lifelong friends know us better than most. They have often seen us at our lowest moments as well as our best and still love us. They are those dear hearts, who we can call on in a moment of crisis, knowing that they will do what they can. They are those who, the moment we hear their voices, bring us to a calmer, happier and more hopeful place.  I have been blessed with several such friends. Some are blood related, others are soul related. Time spent with them is rich in laughter, healing, silliness, more laughter and tons of love. There isn't a subject that we can't discuss. There is always good food thrown into the mix, as well as l...

A wise old bear once said, " We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun. ”  (A. A. Milne) Fifty years ago, in a small community hall overseen by the Sister's of Charity, a group of teenagers were simply having fun making music, dancing and creating bonds that would last a lifetime. Recently, at their 50th reunion, the realization of Pooh's wisdom hit home. Dr. Barbara Fredrickson’s definition of how friendship forms " includes the following criteria: 'Love is a momentary upwelling of three tightly interwoven events:  First, a sharing of one or more positive emotions between you and another;  second, a synchrony between your and the other person’s biochemistry and behaviors; and  third, a reflected motive to invest in each other’s well-being that brings mutual care.'  What is then created, when this criteria is met, is a moment of love. And when one finds another that they are able to share several such moments, bo...