Sometimes I don’t meet friends traditional ways.
In fact, I tend to do things in very odd ways.
It was in such a different way that one of my closest friendships was born.
After I learned to knit, I found my way to KnittingHelp.com.
This continues to be a wonderful community of knitters who lovingly support one another. There are great videos on the site too!
KnittingHelp had a chat feature, and a few of us began talking weekly.
Christina (aka Rabbitrescuer) was one of the knitters, and we instantly hit it off.
She worked crazy hours and was knitting her first project…a dog sweater for her baby, Zeus…
I thought she was nuts.
At the time, I was still working on my bachelor’s degree at Troy, so my friends were invaluable to me as they lifted me from the pits of depression that work overload typically put upon me.
My friends celebrated each completed assignment and, ultimately, my graduation.
I celebrated their triumphs as well.
About a year after we began chatting, one of Christina’s sons endured a horrific accident. He was burned on at least 70% of his body, if I recall correctly.
I received a desperate email from my online buddy. She briefly explained what had happened and asked me to pray, knowing I am a Christian.
Oh my word, but hearing terrible news like that just made my heart go out to her, and I prayed.
Somehow, I got the phone number where her son was being treated, and I called her.
I was so nervous.
I’d never actually heard her voice before, nor had she heard mine.
The first phone call was awkward, and it was also one that was full of anxious words. At that point, she didn’t know if her son would live. It was very touch-and-go.
He was transferred to a specialized burn center, where he stayed for several months.
Christina stayed with him the entire time.
I continued to call her…nearly every day. The only days I didn’t call were the days her husband was able to visit. He had to stay home, work, and maintain the fort.
You learn a lot about a person when the person is faced with a trial of that nature.
Christina is probably one of the strongest women I know.
She rarely faltered.
I only heard her cry once.
We talked about so many things during those months.
We mostly talked about what was for dinner. She always had a plan, despite being away from home.
I told her about my everyday events.
Being moms, we commiserated with one another about the trials involved in childrearing.
She frequently offered her services as a kick-my-kids-in-the-pants kind of friend…just to help get them straightened out.
You’ve just gotta love a friend like that.
After her son returned home, I continued to call. I was, for the most part, unemployed. She worked nights.
That is how my closest friendship was born and continues to grow.
I speak to her at least four days a week now.
Sometimes, we don’t say much, but we stay on the phone.
She frequently hangs clothes on the line while we chat.
I frequently use the potty while on the line with her.
True friendship.
She was there for me the day that Chicky graduated and I had a meltdown hours before.
We’ve called each other on the phone when we’ve been out yarn shopping and need someone to encourage or talk us down from spending too much money. The talking-down part doesn’t happen too often because we happen to be enablers…as good knitters are.
The only thing I haven’t been able to convince her to do is to get rid of the Red Heart. She keeps threatening to send it to me, to which I threaten to steal all of her Malabrigo while she’s not looking.
It’s a friendship made in heaven.
Today is Christina’s birthday.
Christina recently started writing a blog.
If you want, will you hop on over and wish her a happy birthday?
She constantly inspires me with her generosity to a charity she’s involved with.
She knits for people she works with…always recognizing opportunities to share her talent with others.
She gives her love to the animals that come into her place of business. Those sweet fur babies are incredibly lucky to have her gentle touch.
I am a much better person because Christina is a part of my life, and I love her like a sister.
Happy Birthday, Christina!
I was not fortunate enough to grow up with many friends.
God has made up for all of those lonely years by orchestrating our lives so they would intersect.
Thanks for listening to me cry, complain, and burp.
You never seem to mind when I talk with food in my mouth cause you know that I rarely have time to stop and eat, so I have to do it while I’m doing other things, such as talking to you on the phone.
Thanks for accompanying me on many shopping trips to Sams and for all the static you hear because of the poor reception I get in the store.
Thanks for listening while I set the phone down to converse with the lady checking me out of my line or while I’m yelling at the kids to do this or that.
Thanks for always forgiving me when my face hangs up on you (gotta love touch-screen phones).
You’re a one-of-a-kind, and I love you dearly.
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: friendship | 1 Comment »
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