Friends of the Heart

Several years ago I began exchanging emails with Bill. He lived in a Nursing Home in the south of England. His body had been ravaged by cerebral palsy but Bill's mind was sharp and curious. His sense of humor was witty, dry and delightful. The telly, computer, and email correspondence were his connection to a big, fascinating world.

I loved Bill's humor, intelligence, and fiery spirit. He lived with constant pain but refused to knuckle under to it. I admired that about him.

Wherever you are, maybe you know the answers to all those mysteries that intrigued you. This is for you, Bill!! I miss you

This photo shows Eldeen on the right and another of her friends on the left, dressed in their Red Hat Society finery. Whatever Eldeen does, she throws herself into it with gusto!!

I was mired down in one of life's rough patches when Eldeen moved to town. She was hired as the new Director of Nursing at the hospital where I worked. I liked her immediately. She had a brisk, no nonsense way about her but lurking beneath the surface was a sweet, loving spirit.

Like Sam, she is fiercely loyal to the people she befriends. I'm blessed to be one of the people she loves unconditionally. Life has handed Eldeen a bushel of lemons, but she takes them in stride. Always, she focuses on the positive and gives her best on the job and in her private life. She has a zany sense of humor and an altruistic philosophy. Eldeen will always do what's right, honest and fair, no matter what life dishes out in return.

I'd like to do something special for her, something wonderful and memorable, in honor of International Friendship Month. Including her in this lens is the best I can manage.

I loved Myra and Ross immediately. In this age of modern technology, I know many of us have friends we met through the computer but never face to face. My dear britbunny pals from the south of England are such friends.

Myra and I began corresponding during one of Bill's many serious illnesses. Like her brother, Myra has a delightful sense of humor and zest for life. She and Ross enrich my life in so many ways, I can't begin to list them all. We share our worlds through words and photos. Ross attaches the photos from their day trippies so Myra can share them with me. Both are thoughtful, compassionate people. Myra is swift to lend support and encouragement in trying times and I try to do the same for her.

I call them "my dear britbunny pals" because they are so sweet. I'd love to travel to England to meet them, but even if that doesn't happen they'll always be my friends.

I think you can tell by their photo the true heart of these two people from the other side of the pond.