Welcome my friend, come on in & we’ll enjoy a cuppa together as we reflect upon those wonderful relationships called friendships.
But before we do let’s grab our cuppa’s, a treat & get comfy. Today I’ve grabbed a mug of Café Latte & a Apple & Raspberry Crumble Muffin. And we’ll be sitting inside where it’s warm & cosy as that wind blowing up from the Antarctica has picked up again. Brrrr!
Now we’re comfy let’s begin…
Remembering Special Friendships Gone By…
One of my treasured friendships began when I was in first year of High School, I was being bullied on my walk home by a boy & suddenly this tall dark haired girl came up behind the boy & told him to leave me alone & be on his way, as he was half her size he instantly complied!
Her name was Anita, we became close friends until her death thirteen years later. She asked for me in her final days on this Earth as she slowly walked to the gates of Heaven & as I sat beside her bed in Intensive care I remembered all the wonderful moments of our friendship. Sadly she passed away a few days later. At that time I was pregnant with my fifth child & when my daughter was born a few months later I named her after my dear friend.
Another close friendship that ended sadly, after forty years, was a beautiful friend who I first met after I had just lost my daughter, Candy to stillbirth. Joy was her name & indeed she was a joy to know & brought a great deal of joy to all she met.
We supported each other through many hard times & celebrated many happy times. She sadly died of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), it was absolutely heartbreaking watching this disease ravage her ability to move, talk, eat & lose her independence.
But I look forward to the day when I’m reunited with both of these two dear friends & the many cuppa’s we will enjoy together in the gardens of Heaven.
A Loyal Friendship
One of my ongoing friendships, which always brings a smile to my face, began in my first year of Bible College & has continued for thirty nine & a half years now. We can’t believe its that long! Although over that time we have supported each other through the ups & downs that life brings along. Our daughters grew up alongside each other & we have enjoyed many lovely times celebrating the milestones in our childrens lives.
It’s the type of friendship where if you don’t see each other for a while, when you do meet up you naturally pick up where you left off. She’s a very loyal & beautiful friend, I feel very blessed to have her in my life.
There have been many friends over the years throughout the different seasons in life, while there are those that have endured, others have moved on to new pastures. And that’s okay as that’s the natural rhythm of earthly relationships.
So what is the secret to an enduring Friendship?
I think the answer to that question will be different for every individual but there are some common attributes that most people enjoy in enduring friendships; respect, loyalty, understanding, confidentiality & mutual reciprocity.
Although there’s definitely an Art to Friendships that I share in the following;
The Greatest Friendship we can ever have…
However, there is One who calls me friend who has been & is my enduring friend & that’s my Saviour Jesus, He’s the greatest friend I have & any of us can ever have for He has said;
“… I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15 NIV
If you would like to know Him as your friend or read how I met Him, please join me here.
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
Or
In Prayer
© 2025 Jennifer M. Ross, All Rights Reserved. Photos by RDNE Stock project pexels.com
Featured at Stephanie’s Crazy little love birds link party
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I enjoyed hearing about your friendships, Jennifer. It’s such an interesting journey to see how people come into our lives, some for many years and some for just a day, yet each are important!
That they are Lisa, every friendship is important & different adding a wonderful spark to our lives. 😊
Thanks for the blog post on remembering friends. I have lost three good friends in the last two years and still miss them a lot. Long-term or close friends can be as close or even closer than some relatives. I do say prayers and remember my dear ones whenevr I have a memory of them. Saw your post at the Hearth and Soul Party. Nancy Andres @ Colors 4 Health.
You’re most welcome Nancy. I’m saddened to hear you too have lost dear friends & yes I agree they can be closer to us than some relatives.
Lovely having you join me in a cuppa today my friend. 😊
Some friends are lifelong, while others may only be with us for a short time. All friends are in our lives for a reason. Be the type of friend that you want to have,
Stopping by from the July One Word Link-up.
Absolutely Barb & we theirs.
Jennifer, I loved reading this post as just this morning I had a phone call from my very dearest friend in all of life. We have been friends for 40 years. Although we do not see each other very often, it is just as you shared – whenever we speak, we pick up right where we left off. She has been a gift, a treasure whom I will always be grateful the Lord brought into my life. This was just precious to read this afternoon.
Thank you Joanne. I’m so glad you too have a life long friendship & I agree they are a treasure indeed. Blessings to you sweet friend.
Jennifer, this is such a wonderful post. Friendships are truly special, and we do learn quite a bit from them as well. I’ve always thought about those friendships; even the ones that only came for a season were placed there for a reason. Each one is special. I love that we can always count on our Lord Jesus Christ. I am featuring your post this Friday at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party. Thank you for always sharing your inspiring posts with us.
How lovely Stephanie that was a wonderful surprise this morning, thank you! 😊
Those friends He sends – they are, indeed, such enduring blessings – even when the ebb and flow of seasons sends us in different directions. It’s a home-coming when we get together!
I agree Maryleigh & I love how you put that;
“It’s a home-coming when we get together!” Indeed it is my friend 😊
Thank you, Jennifer for sharing your wonderful friendships. I have had several dear friends who have passed away. My dearest friend from elementary school passed away at the age of 42. I still miss her 29 years later. She was the essence of a faithful friend! Many blessings, sweet friend!
Many Blessings to you too sweet friend! I agree faithfulness & loyalty go such a long way in friendship & are very special indeed
Sadly, when a dear friend has passed we do miss that very special & unique connection.
True friendships are rare and a gift from God, Jennifer.
That they are Lisa, a great blessing indeed. Lovely having you join me in a cuppa my friend.