Her name was Josie. To me, she was silly and no more than a game. But to my sister... she was a playmate and a confidante. Though I didn't even know who Josie and the Pussycats were, I just knew that was where this Josie came from. But I was wrong... she was just Josie. Tina's Josie. She rode in the car with us. She played dolls with us. She was always there... right beside my sister. I don't think she lived with us for very long, but while she did, she was as real to Tina as I was...
Imaginary friends. As a little girl, I never had one. And while I may have been a smidgen jealous of this friend who resided in my sister's heart, I knew that she had room for me, too. Before long, imaginary friends were a thing of the past, and learning what it meant to be a real friend became the highlight of my week. Making plans for our Thursday half-a-day, or heading out for a Brownie meeting... riding bikes around the neighborhood and through the woods. I began to really know what it was to be a friend... to cultivate relationships and treat others the way I would want to be treated. And real friends... they don't fade from your heart.
Last week I was lonely and disconnected... and I realized a Tuesday gift on a Friday. That my blogging friends are not imaginary... but real. I might not recognize their face if I passed them in an aisle in Target, but surely I would recognize their heart. My mouse skitters around their e-mailed comments or follow up notes... so as to save them for just a bit longer. Because those words... they erase the imaginary part of our friendship. Those words are tangible, and they make our friendship real...and they inspire me to know that my words might matter. Those words... they are gifts... from their hearts to mine... and back again... like a footprint on my soul.
I was so sad to miss Tuesday last week... because Tuesdays just aren't the same without my very real blogging friends... and the chance to unwrap the day with Emily....
Kelli is having trouble getting her link to work at Chatting at the Sky... but her post is too sweet to miss: Kelli's Tuesdays Unwrapped post
25 comments :
I honestly wish I remembered more about her. But I learn from you and Mom. xoxox
I know! There is nothing imaginary about these friendships. We missed you last week! Good to have you back, my (real) friend. :-)
Friendships are so necessary to be able to get through this life! A beautiful gift!
Hi Dawn,
When I checked the link, it wouldn't work. I tried again with the same URL and it STILL wouldn't work. I wasn't sure how to fix it. Any ideas?
Thanks. Have a great day!!!
I would recognize your heart, too, I think. And it would make mine happy to see you.
It's amazing the bond you can develop with someone you've never "met." I've only recently started visiting your blog, so i'm more of an acquaintance, but it's all real. My husband used to not understand my friendship with women from my on-line birth-club...until we had our last daughter and a beautiful package arrived from them. They have prayed with me, laughed with me, rejoiced with me and cried with me. And I've only met two of the 20 in person. But they are my friends, no doubt.
You make me realize even more that I need to post more comments when something touches my heart. And that friendships ARE possible even in the comment section. Thank you for posting this.
I love all my computer friends. I feel so blessed at this time in my life that God has given me friends who I can meet with on my schedule, who can't see if my house is a mess or I'm still in my pj's, who won't be disturbed by my baby crying or my son jumping off the couch.
All you darlings are the best. :)
So true Dawn - I am so thankful for my real, bloggy friends!
YES! You are so right. I wonder. . . are these friendships so real because they really are based on what's in the heart? I think sometimes we miss being friends in "real" life because of something on the surface that stands in the way, blocking the entrance to a friendship. But as we reveal our hearts through our blogs, we shove aside those barriers. Somehow we are brave enough to know and be known.
And that, my friend, is REAL.
I talk to my husband about my blogging friends and he says, "Now which one is that?" and I say, "You've never met her. Neither have I." The look on his face...
You are so kind!!! Thanks for the link:))
I needed this today Dawn,thank you.
And I agree with all my other friends here.
Okay, it might be easier in that we can pick and choose and click or not...
but in that strange way of really knowing what makes me who I am... the women at soccer or down the street just can't . Sometimes we're all just moms or frazzled wives. Here we can be a little corny maybe , but it seems we all truly value beauty of soul.
I agree, sweet Dawn. They are footprints on our souls. And you're right. Your words really do matter.
You're so right... I love the blogging community, and the more I see, the more I'm in love with it.
This was nice. I had several imaginary friends, but that was probably because my sister didn't like me as a child or maybe from spending so much time in the hospital. I know a lot of people, but to this day only hold a choice few people close to me. In any event, I'm with you, I sure appreciate my blog buddies. You have a good week sweetie. Blessings to you and the family.
I enjoyed lunch today with friends and former co-workers. They've touched my life in their own unique ways.
this is very sweet Dawn. I do learn from my computer friends as as well as my 3 real friends. :)
How come I did not have imaginary friends as a kid? I needed them, but they were never there. I suppose that is ok, because I have lots of them now. We talk all the time. :)
Hugs, Suz
What I find so intriguing and startling about blogging is that you never know when someone is going to read your words or how those words are going to impact their life or when your words might just lead you to discover a soul sister.
Count me among those who count my bloggies as friends who touch my heart...and you are one of them, Dawn!
I'm new to the bloggy world, but I am recognizing a unique kindheartedness and generosity in my blogger pals -- none of whom I've met -- that I have not seen elsewhere. My husband even commented on it -- he said something like, "People who blog just seem nicer..." and I responded, "I think it's just these people -- meaning all the women I've "met" and read about in the past few weeks -- who are nicer!" And that includes you!
Hi, Dawn. Thanks for the visit over at my place today and for your sweet comment. I really appreciate this post. I've been blogging for over two years, but only recently "branched out" and started connecting with other bloggers. I was actually starting to feel a little silly for all of my virtual involvement in "strangers" lives--thanks for helping me feel a little less silly :) Maybe we can be friends now, too :)
Friends are such a blessing...both the real life kind and the bloggy kind.
i've started wondering lately if that checker in target is a blogger. if the post lady has a blog. maybe people all around me are sharing their feelings and thoughts with the world. maybe i'm reading them. maybe they are just like me.
I'm pretty new to the blog world, but all you girls seem pretty great. :)
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