It Takes Time

On my bed I keep a pillow that says "IT TAKES TIME TO GROW AN OLD FRIEND".  I stuffed it in one of my suitcases as I was packing up the house two and a half years ago to move here.  It's a gift for my 40th birthday, from my friend Sandy. She surprised me that day when she flew down from Ohio to celebrate with me.

This pillow has lots of meaning for me. Sandy and I have been friends for 45 years. We met when we were little girls in New Mexico. Our dads worked for Arthur G. Mckee.  I remember I was fascinated with her long hair. All the way down her back. My mom always had me in a pixie hair cut...much like Tinkerbell's. And so began a wonderful friendship.  At age 5 we ended up in Salem, Missouri together.  She was at the surprise party my mom had for me when I turned 6.  Sandy used to tell me that all Sunday morning during Sunday school class my mom was watching her making sure she didn't spill the beans.  She didn't!! (My mom's stare could be pretty scary...) We lost touch after Salem and then in 1972 dad came back from a trip,"Guess who lives in Aruba?"(our next location)...I had NOOO idea.  And it was Sandy.

    So, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade we had together.  And then high school we were apart..but by then we could make long distance phone calls and were able to write(she was horrible at that but we managed).  All our lives her mom would say to us..Silly Girls.  We laughed and giggled all the time. Sharing secrets little girls share and then big girls.  I was in her wedding after college.  About ready to have my second child, and she put me next to her size 1 sister in law. Wanted to kill her. But we just laughed.  

    Moving and saying so many goodbyes and hellos and goodbyes,  it makes a person appreciate old friends.  Like Sandy Lou. My parents were like hers and vice versa. Sharing so many memories,  and deep conversations about life and faith and marriage and kids, well, it takes time to grow an old friend.

    The Lord brought Sandy home to be with him on January 18th.  After several years of battling cancer, she is at peace.  We saw each other this summer in El Paso. Her sweet sister Sue, who treasures our friendship as much as we do..did..do, made it happen. Packed her up and brought her down to see me at my sister's house. We were altogether. Laughing. Sharing. Remembering. It was the best.   And I am so thankful.

Her beautiful hair.  Her sweet smile.  When I get there one day, Oh the laughter we will share.  Silly Girls.

Sandy Lou Maxey Rose  I will miss you.  Matt

    

The Boys are Back in Town

Our Christmas holiday was filled with lots of family time, laughter and even some adventure.  Obviously, blogging wasn't on the agenda. :)  Ryan and Russell arrived on the same flight, but a later than expected as they missed their connection in Paris. We spent their three weeks here going to the beach, eating at some of Ryan and Mike's favorite restaurants, and even going up into the top of the tallest building in the world...The Burj Khalifa, known previously as the Burj Dubai. (We think the name change could be because Abu Dhabi bailed them out...hmmmm) Mike loved having the boys here as one or both of them met him for lunch everyday at nearby favorite eateries.  I don't really like them cuz the food is pretty spicy. :)  Ryan had fun reconnecting with his old friends and Sallie and Robert loved having their brothers here.

Going up in the Burj was definitely a highlight. The observation tower is on the 124th floor. The elevator is one of the fastest in the world(of course it is)so you don't realize how high up you are going. I heard a rumor that in the first three days of opening the Burj already made 1 million dirhams in entrance fees. Wow. It was kind of scary to come face to face with a window washer up there. Whew. Would not want that job.

The boys flew out a week ago. It was hard to watch them walk thru the gate. We all miss them. And today is Ryan's 19th birthday. Sigh.

So life is back to "normal"now.  One Abu Dhabi story before I go.  Mike called me from work the other day. He was frustrated because this parking garage that had been approved is now being blocked.by the Dept. of Transportation..supposedly it will mess up the traffic flow for the street...Uh huh. Right. So let's just leave all the cars on the street..really???Oh well, whatever. :)

Hope you all had a great holdiay as well. I'll be writing more now.

Blessings, Mattie