I took a four day 'sabbatical to my favorite place, Traverse City, Michigan. One of the reasons it's my favorite place is not only is it so beautiful, but because I have beautiful, healing friends there. When you get a hug from my Dianna you are instantly healed from whatever ails ya.'
We walked on the beach, remembered our children playing there... heck WE played there, and I picked up my 2003 rock. I collect rocks. I have rocks from all over the United States... I don't remember where they are from – but I have them. They have to be a bit unusual before I will lug them home. I am looking at one right now from the Pacific Ocean. It has striated lines and a big thumbprint in it... I wish it could tell me how that mark got there. I find it peaceful, healing, to look at that rock.
When I got home I called my friend and asked her how she got to be such a healing person. She said, "I learned it from friends like you." See what I mean about healing? I met my friend Connie from Florida for supper last night. She is visiting relatives in Toledo. We laughed for over 3 hours. We don't get together very often because of the distance but when we do – it's like we'd just seen each other last week. Con is organizing a get-together for all her friends this October. We are all chipping in and renting a house in North Carolina. She wants to get a theme going... we considered Ya Ya Sisters weekend- no, overdone. We thought about the Big Chill weekend... but settled on The Big Hot Flash. Laughter is healing. Long-time friends are healing.
My friend Peggy and I are going to see the Oprah Show at the end of this month. We are so excited! I talked with Peggy earlier this week and she tells me she has a new hair cut and will be losing 10 pounds. I asked, "Why?" She replied, "You know how Oprah brags that she has the best looking audiences in the world? Well, I don't want to get picked for a make over!" Laughter and friends are healing... I bet trips to see Oprah are too. I'll let you know.
As I think of all the wonderful people in my life, I know I am one lucky person. I hope you have and will continue to cultivate relationships that are healthy and healing.
Oh, by the way, who did you heal today? We are all equipped to perform this miracle. We have a soothing voice. We can hug and hold on tight. We can listen without 'fixing.' We can say words that strengthen. We can encourage each other. Most of all, we can do this for ourselves.
Hugs, Carolyn
