As Simple As Raisins

Jackson and I met Denise at the Arboretum today. We haven't been together in so long so it was a "catch-up" session. We skipped from topic to topic, back and forth, starting sentences and being interrupted by Jackson needing this or that ... only to revert back to said sentence to complete our thoughts.

This went on for hours and had I not needed to be a responsible adult and actually pick up my firstborn from school, it could have gone on for several more.

In true Denise form, she showed up with and gave me a cd/dvd combo package from our James Taylor/Carole King concert we went to this summer. {See here for details.} This is the gal that just never stops giving.

When I mentioned to Jackson that we were going to see Auntie Denise he said, without missing a beat, "The RED DOOR. The candy store." {Here for more.} I had to chuckle at his little memory of her taking them to that store. A dream, really. Again, always giving.

I was reminded of the richness of our friendship. Picking up as if we spoke just yesterday. Laughing at jokes from decades ago. Wondering where we might vacation next. Wanting to help each other realize our dreams. Believing the best of each other. Silliness sprinkled all over.

And then there was this sweet, nothing special yet profoundly insightful comment that Denise made in passing that sort of defines our friendship.

Denise bought a little three-pack of cookies for us to share, and Jackson doled out the goods. One for him. One for Auntie Denise. One for Mommy. As we looked at what we each ended up with, Denise said, "Oh good, I got the raisin one." And I said, "Oh man, I don't like raisins" and she said, "I know. That's why I said oh good, because I know you don't like them."

How's that for a friend? How's that for being known? How's that for one of those little things in life that actually gets lumped into one of the bigger things in life category. The blessings of a life-long friend. The importance of being known.

I have no doubt that when we're in our late 80s, drinking tea and snacking on crumpets (or whatever 80-year-old-women drink and eat) that if one crumpet shows up with raisins mixed in, she'll simply reach for the plate and take that one, knowing that I don't like raisins.

As the years pile on I find myself smiling as she says or does something that is "so" Denise.

Like the picture above. Classic Denise look. Beautiful with the biggest dimples you've ever seen.

Like the cd she gave. I drove away from the Arboretum today, with the cd on my seat, shaking my head thanking the Lord for Denise. Beautiful, inside and out.