"He restores my soul...Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..." from Psalm 23God's goodness to me was evident in last weekend's events which I shared with my dear friend, Sharon. Sharon and I have been friends for 29 years, and she submitted our story to be honored at this year's annual "Friends for Life" presentation at the 8th Annual Speaking of Women's Health Conference in Atlanta. Ours was chosen to be one of three friendships highlighted at the conference, and it was a whirlwind of activity! (A copy of Sharon's submission is at the bottom of this post.)
Pat Cahill Productions came to my house (and, yes, I did clean before they came!) and interviewed both Sharon and me for a video presentation. In addition, we were invited to the VIP reception the night prior to the conference. Our husbands were able to accompany us and share in the excitement of meeting the steering committee, the speakers, the sponsors, and the other honorees. Then on Saturday we attended the all-day conference entitled, "It's the Right Time: Be Healthy, Be Strong, Be In Charge."
The day included motivating speakers, breakout sessions with topics of multiple interests, free health screenings, lots of goodies from various vendors, an elegant luncheon, and the "Friends For Life" presentation. There were 1200+ women in attendance, so it was very humbling to be chosen to share our story.
Sharon and I do have a wonderful friendship which began in college and has endured several stages of life. We have laughed, cried, loved, and lived! It is my prayer that God will use our story to motivate others to invest in long-term friendships. My desire is to glorify God with my life, and if I can do that by being Sharon's friend, then I am the one greatly blessed! Thank you, Sharon, for being my dear and precious friend.
Sharon's submission:
I would like to introduce to you Myra Boerner….my BFF / Forever Friend / Soul Sister of 29 years, meeting in college in 1978. We have been blessed (me, especially) in being able to experience life together: college graduation (same careers..occupational therapists), sharing an apartment, being each others’ maid and matron of honor, raising and homeschooling our children, and now, venturing into menopause together. How incredibly special it is to have a girlfriend to share in the humor of menopause…declining memory, physical changes, hot flashes, mood swings, especially as I turned 50 this year; her turn next year.
Myra has been my barometer in living a balanced life spiritually, physically and emotionally. There isn’t any one particular event for me to share, but it’s 29 years of living what she believes, practicing what she preaches, that has helped guide me to be the best wife, mother, daughter and friend that I can be. I don’t even think she realizes to what extent her words and how she lives her life has influenced decisions I’ve made over the years and how they have molded my character.
My mother and I have always had a rocky relationship, even more so during my adulthood. Myra has filled that void. She has been a mentor to me in place of what, perhaps, what my mother should have been.
Most of all, I wanted to honor Myra in submitting this. As much as I look forward to growing old with my husband, I also look forward to growing old with my Forever Friend.
4 comments:
Myra, you're the BEST! Here's the letter I submitted about my BFF:
I would like to introduce to you Myra Boerner….my BFF / Forever Friend / Soul Sister of 29 years, meeting in college in 1978. We have been blessed (me, especially) in being able to experience life together: college graduation (same careers..occupational therapists), sharing an apartment, being each others’ maid and matron of honor, raising and homeschooling our children, and now, venturing into menopause together. How incredibly special it is to have a girlfriend to share in the humor of menopause…declining memory, physical changes, hot flashes, mood swings, especially as I turned 50 this year; her turn next year.
Myra has been my barometer in living a balanced life spiritually, physically and emotionally. There isn’t any one particular event for me to share, but it’s 29 years of living what she believes, practicing what she preaches, that has helped guided me to be the best wife, mother, daughter and friend that I can be. I don’t even think she realizes to what extent her words and how she lives her life has influenced decisions I’ve made over the years and how they have molded my character.
My mother and I have always had a rocky relationship, even more so during my adulthood. Myra has filled that void. She has been a mentor to me in place of what, perhaps, what my mother should have been.
Most of all, I wanted to honor Myra in submitting this. As much as I look forward to growing old with my husband, I also look forward to growing old with my Forever Friend.
Oh, Myra! This is so precious. What an example of the gift of friendship that God desires for each of us. Your story shows that it takes commitment and hard work, yet the rewards are so, so sweet.
Thank you for modeling this to the rest of us. Even though Sharon is your BFF, there are so many of us who count it a privilege to know you, too!
Myra-
Thanks for sharing this. I've been looking forward to reading this letter since Ed told me about it a few weeks ago. How precious! You deserve to be honored and I too count it a privilege and blessing to know you.
Thanks also for your sweet comments on my blogs. You are such an encourager, my friend.
Much Love to you-
Jan
The Lord is so kind to give you such a strong friendship in your life. What a testimony! Also a wonderful picture of the intimate friendship the Lord desires us to have with Him. Myra, the most wonderful legacy we can leave is to have our loved ones changed, influenced and drawn to the light that lives in us. Your friendship with Sharon reflects that. May you be blessed with the "fruits of friendship" for many more years together.
Are you really turning "50" next year??? We Must Celebrate!
Love you,
Terresa
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