TRUE FRIENDS
I recently asked my mom if she remembered my dear friend Leslie. Mom said she did which surprised me. I told her that I was going to see Leslie today, who lives out in Plainview, Long Island and we were going to have a barbecue. I had met Leslie while I worked for her dad in the fashion industry over thirty five years ago. Irv, her dad was one of my favorite bosses, and Leslie came to work for her dad. Our desks faced one another and we become quite close and are still great friends. Can you imagine what a special person Leslie must be to work with the boss’s daughter and to become so close?
We have shared much laughter and tears throughout all our years of friendship. Leslie’s mom like my mom also suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Although in Leslie case, she claims that her mom has gotten nasty and bitter. Leslie lives only 20 minutes from her mother so she can see her all the time which I wish was my situation (although Leslie may not agree). Leslie is a special friend and I love her and cherish our friendship. Isn’t it true that no matter who you meet and become friends with, the friends that you have known for so long become so endearing to us. They know everything about us ,as throughout the years we have lived and shared so many of life’s experiences with one another.
I still remember all of my mom’s dear friends, (mostly from grade school) many who have since passed away. I remember all the stories and laughter that they would share about, with each other, so many years later. They all bring warmth to my heart ,and a smile to my face, as I reminisce about them. While I was growing up I would love to hang out around them, and listen to all the moments that they once shared. These are memories that my mom unfortunately no longer has. I guess my mom had instilled in me about how special friends are without me even realizing it. Thanks mom for showing me what real friendships mean and I am sorry that my mom no longer has any of these precious memories.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteIt is true, Our mother's teach us to value Friendship...they really were our first true friends. My closest Friend "Debby's" Mom also suffered with Alzheimer's for years...through her I learned to treasure my Mom even more as you never know when this dreaded aliment takes the minds of those we love. My mom now is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's it so sad that their golden years...get somewhat tarnished by this aliment. I wish for everyone a cure...once and for all.
My best friend's mother also had AD and has been deceased for 8 years now.
ReplyDeleteWe lived in a gas camp with 16 families 30 miles from a town, and these 16 ladies were so close as were the families, in and out of each other's homes, having coffee each morning together and watching soap operas together. When I married the first time, they gave me a shower just for the campers as it was called and it was an amazing shower. Recently Mom and I went around the camp in our minds together and she was able to remember who lived where. Amazing. Again first in, last out!!