You know, there’s something about knowing someone for a long, long time... History counts for a lot.
        I have a sweet friend who I’ve known for about... um... (How long has it been, Trish? You’re better with the dates than I.) I guess she started hanging out with my sister within a year or two of our moving to MO in 1990. I "stole" her from my sister not many years after that, we were already like sisters... We went through all the ugly teen years together and came to know the Lord together near the end of those years. We’ve married and started families and though we each have gone our seperate ways and are now many miles apart we still are a significant part of each others lives. I can’t believe she puts up with me trying to "mother" her all the time... :)  She’s so sweet.
         She also happens to be a wonderful artist. I’ve always been her biggest fan and have kept many of her drawings and paintings (and pottery, come to think of it) over the years, including those from the days when she was obsessed with Disney characters, particularly the Little Mermaid and the Lion King. I won’t embarass her by sharing those here, but, yesterday I received a lovely blessing from her in the mail and I do want to share it.  First... Early in ‘99, as I struggled with the pain of growing up and leaving childhood behind, I requested a drawing from her... It came out just how I wanted and I still have it. Just unpacked it a few weeks ago.  Here’s a photo of it:

This was what I received in the mail yesterday:

This was written on the back

"There was a picutre of a girl blowing dandelion seeds away showing youth being abandoned.  What wasn't known then is seen now that a plan and purpose was in place for a family growing up in love with so many hard choices along the way.  What a blessing it is to see the differnce abandoning made."

I cried. I was overwhelmed. I feel so blessed. Thank you, Trisha!!  For thinking of me, for drawing just for me, and for reminding me of the difference Christ has made in my life... I needed that reminder desperately today.  You are so dear to me. I’m so glad you’re putting your hand to paper again, practicing your God-given gifts. 

(View my Flickr page for full sized images and visit Trisha's blog and say hi.)

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Posted by dukygurl

I was 14 when we became friends, I am 26no....long time. I have been in your family's hair since I was 10 yrs old. WOW!

I drew the pic that I just sent to you nearly a year ago..I wasn't happy with it as I am not lots of the time but I just had to get it to you. This pic was a reminder to me at the time I drew it that a hard choice made for the best could become a fabulous blessing. I am so pleased that you like it.

Trish

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Posted by gabbie427

That is so sweet! I have a good friend like that as well. We have been friendds since middle school, about 20 some odd years ago!!!

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

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Posted by HopefulHeart77

You are so blessed to have such a loving friend. You are so blessed to be having children. Your friend is quite the artist!

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