In February, I had the privilege of speaking at the Orange County branch of the California Writers’ Club. A bit nervous speaking to my peers and all those familiar faces. But just before the meeting started, an old college friend popped in with her granddaughter. Had I know she was coming, my nerves would have skyrocketed!
Kathleen Clements Chapman is the author of 6 books and has written musical theater music for the last 45 years. So why is this important, you ask? I’m going to tell you.
We knew each other back in college when we were silly young girls who were away from home for the first time. Wanted to have fun. Doesn’t every college kid when they are out from under the microscope of parents? But after the meeting was over and we’d said our goodbyes…I couldn’t stop thinking about youth and friendships.
Our kids, even those all grown up with families of their own, don’t know you. They don’t know what causes you pain and sorrow. They don’t know what makes you truly happy. They know you as parents. Friends…both old and new…appreciate you for who you are.
I have been blessed beyond words to have friends from long ago when I lived in Boston, friends from New York, friends from Michigan…friends who span my lifetime. People who knew me when I was small, a teen, a young woman. Now friends who are my peers, new friends, faithful friends. I love the wisdom of Proverbs 18:24…a friend who is closer than a brother. Through the years, I have learned that a true friend is closer than your own family. The acceptance, grace, and forgiveness is deeper.
Thank you, Kathleen, for coming to hear me speak. What a blessing it has been to see both of us mature from our youth. And to those who are my friends through thick and thin, good times and bad times, I appreciate all of you. You know who you are!!!!