I have many kinds of friends. I treasure each one. I have ones that have been around since high school and some that I have recently met. I treasure them all.

Helen on Fish Lake

I spent 3 days last week with a very good, long time friend of mine in Fish Lake, Indiana. Helen and I lead very busy lives. She lives in Chicago and I live, well I am not sure. We stay in touch by email, text and phone. We don’t see each other very often. Oh, but, when we do….The talking and fun ensue.

When Jim died, Helen dropped her life and showed up in San Diego after my sister had returned to New Jersey. I will always appreciate the fact that she didn’t take no for an answer and just showed up. I will always love her for that incredible act of kindness, support and love.  She is just that kind of friend. It will be an act of generosity that I hope to emulate.

On this trip her husband, Norb got involved with the merriment along with their two cats. We visited. We ate, trying out some of the local restaurants and cooking at home. We talked. We kayaked. Oh, and we watched the Royal Wedding.

Helen and I are family. Despite our faults we love each other. Isn’t that wonderful?

I am in Iowa now and heading west. I will visit the Field of Dreams movie site before I hit the back roads. Alaska looms closer each day. Elsie and I must get to another family of good friends in Idaho soon. Today I must begin the push west. Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and finally Idaho.

Moving right along.