I'm a rich woman

Hello friends!

I've been fortunate this week. I was blessed with the good fortune of visiting my childhood best friend!

Deedee and I were best friends before we even knew how to say daddy. We spent the first ten years of our lives sleeping over at each other's houses and riding bikes as far as we could get away with. That was back when Salinas, Ca. was mostly farm land.

My dad moved us to a small northern Ca. town one month before my 11th birthday. Three years later, Deedee's family moved to southern Ca.

We have always been able to keep in contact due to the fact that our parents were also best friends. As adults, Deedee and I shared each other's joy as we hit the milestones that most people encounter while going through the fabulous gift of life. She was my maid of honor as well as my oldest daughter's God mother.

Deedee married a nice black man and together they have 2 boys. She sent me a Christmas card this year, but I failed to respond.

Last week, I knew that I had an overnight in Ontario. I wondered if she was still living nearby. I decided it was worth a try and called her home number, hoping it was current.

It was. I got her machine. I left a message asking if she had time would she like to get together?

While I was in the air, she called back and left a message on my cell phone. She is an awesome friend. I don't know if she really had any plans or not, but suddenly I became a priority. She offered to pick me up at the airport and let me stay with her. I didn't have to report until 3pm the next day, so of course I said "sure!"

We had a GREAT time! I had gotten in late (11pm) but we stayed up until 4am trading war stories. We tallied the time that had passed since our last meeting and were shocked to realize it had been 7+ years!

6am was litterally a blink away and my head started pounding about as loudly as Deedee's husband & dad's hammering in the hallway. They were putting in a whole house fan.

Deedee apologized, but it was fine. I feel back to sleep for 2 more hours. Once awake, we all got ready and went out for breakfast (picture to be posted later). IHOP was good.

After breakfast, Chris (Deedee's husband) needed a few things from Lowe's. On the way there, the big truck we were all in died. Oh boy! An adventure!

It turned out fine. Chris got it going after a while and we were able to get it out of the middle of the street without pushing. While we were in Lowe's, Deedee's brother (Matt) showed up with an even larger truck and pulled us to a gas station where they did this and that. (How do I know? I'm NOT a machanic).

It was nice to visit with her brother. There family was like my second family. Man, her brother sure looks like her dad!!

When we got back to her house, her parents were there waiting for us. Deedee's mom really wanted to see me. We hugged and visited for the rest of my time. I even called my mom so she and Mary could talk.

Back at the airport, I gave Deedee a big hug good-bye. It was emotional for me. I didn't know how much I missed her.

Heck, she didn't even know I had become a flight attendant! I shouldn't let time go by like that. I should call the people that matter...the ones who made a difference. I should do it often...while I can.

And the blessings just keep on coming...tomorrow I start a 4 day trip that takes me to Colorodo Srings where I'll hopefully get to visit with Ron!