Morning Friends....
I know I've told you the story before, about the group of 25 friends that I met online, that all became friends as a result of praying for Lauren's little girl, Alexa, who was fighting cancer at the time. That was several years ago and thankfully, Alexa is doing really well now. I also told you about when Laura came to visit. She's one of those 25 friends. And in two weeks when I'm at CHA in Florida, I think I'll be meeting at least 2 more of those friends!
It's hard to believe that several years later, that same group of 25 ladies that 'met' online at Splitcoaststampers, are still friends. A lot of them check in with each other weekly if not daily. We've shared each others' joys and sorrows and I've been amazed at the close bond we share. One of my friends in the group, Pam, lost her husband 2 years ago and the night that she posted online that she thought her dear husband was about to go home to be with the Lord, I happened to be online. She was going thru something awful and was at home alone after a long day at the hospital so I asked her if she wanted me to call her. She immediately sent me a private message with her phone number and I said a quick prayer for help from Above since I hadn't a clue what I would say and dialed her number. We'd never talked on the phone before, but as soon as she answered, we talked like old friends, we cried together, we prayed together and to tell you the truth, I have no idea what I said that night. But later that weekend, her husband passed away and the whole group rallied around Pam to do our best to help her thru such a rough time, even though we're all spread out across the country.
Pam is one tough cookie. She's amazed us all with her strength, her witty (albeit sarcastic) sense of humor and her friendship. She's a dear and I love her. She and I bonded that first night on the phone and since then, we've had many, many phone conversations, however most of them now, result in us laughing until there are tears in our eyes!
I am thrilled to tell you that my friend Pam is coming for a visit TODAY! Right here to my airport, my town, my home. And so, the guest room is ready....
Our flowers are ready to put on a show....
Riley is even waiting at the door in eager anticipation of the arrival of our special guest! I head out later this morning to pick her up at the airport! Her visit will be much too short, I already know it, but we'll have a ball while she's here! Maybe we'll spend some time in the studio.....after all, she's a card-maker herself. Maybe we'll shop a little. We've already got a couple of great meals planned including some of our famous Kansas City BBQ. And one thing I know for SURE that we'll do......is laugh! I'll keep the Nikon handy, so I can document her visit (much to her chagrin, I'm sure! *wink!*)
I have to tell you that I can't WAIT to meet this dear friend I've {never} met.
