Life as a Thank you – 6

Dear Susan,

I drove home yesterday after a short weekend, but I left so full (as usual). Coming to see you (and your family) is always restorative for me. I decided in 2016 to write an old-school note of thanks each week and I felt this was a great opportunity to send you yours to tell you how much you mean to me!

Words won’t do justice to what I want to express but I want you to know how grateful I am that you have been there for me over the years and for all the things you have taught me. Not all friends last a lifetime and even fewer stand by you through your joys and sorrows. Thank you for doing both  – for always being a safe place and a confidante.

Thank you for being one of the most beautiful persons – inside and outside – that I have ever met. Thank you for the countless memories. I am grateful that you always listen with your heart, carefully offer a shoulder to cry on, call me out when I am wrong, and encourage me when I hesitate. Thank you for talking sense into me when I am being a complete idiot, for your words of wisdom. Thank you for the laughs, for the cries, and for everything in between. Thank you for keeping me grounded when I feel like I might otherwise blow away. Thank you for all of the things you do, big and small. Thank you for always knowing what to say and for being one of life’s best teachers. Thank you for making fun of me when I deserve it, and for loving me when I don’t. Thank you for staying constant in a world full of change, and for keeping some normalcy in a world full of chaos.

I don’t want to miss saying that I am grateful for your generous hospitality. I love the rhythm of your home and the joy of welcome there! I could go on and on about all the memories we have shared over the years, but it would be difficult to pick my favorites.  I love that we are passing on friendship to our kids. I am grateful for the love of your extended family and our history and friends.

I am not sure how I would do life without you. May God bless you beyond your wildest dreams this year.

Susan – I love you and thank God for you always!

Miriam