My Inspiring Friend–from 1977

Today I was reunited once again with my best friend from high school. You know how life goes—each person goes their own way and we lose track of each other. It was harder to stay in touch when we were teens in the 70’s—pre-internet, no Facebook, no Instagram, no cell phones so no texting to keep in touch over the miles.

Last year Sandy and I ran into each other at my usual Friday morning Weight Watchers meeting. She attended my meeting not because she knew I would be there. She had no idea I would be there. She attended my meeting just because she didn’t want to miss a meeting while she we was in Illinois visiting her parents.

This morning we met at Starbuck’s before walking to our meeting. We started catching up when we got together on Wednesday and today we continued. As we talked both days I grew more and more inspired by her. Not only is she fun, she speaks the truth to me in a way that could never be hurtful, but is always refreshing.

She is also a breast cancer survivor. She has lost over 100 pounds and is still going. She gets up every morning at 5:00am and walks almost 20,000 steps. She takes her health seriously.

As we talked I thought, “Why am I not doing more to take care of myself?” I do a mediocre job of running and eating right, but when I listened to Sandy I knew I could be doing better. In that moment I decided to join her at Weight Watchers this morning. I decided to stop making excuses for not running but to do what I need to do to exercise each day. For me, it will mean getting up a little earlier and hitting the road.

Sandy also inspires me in a way I can’t put into words. She helps me be more me. I can relax and be myself. No worries that she will judge me or think less of me. I don’t have to worry that I will hurt her feelings either. We share our hearts freely and with love.

Sandy’s friendship in high school was a gift to me. Having her as a friend in my fifties is an even sweeter gift.

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *