Friends

I am fortunate to have some wonderful friends, all over the world.

Tonight, I just want to briefly acknowledge two of them.

Nicole

Donna

Donna and Nicole have been my closest friends in Melbourne since I moved here 10 years ago. We have attended church together, socialised together, gone on walks, shopped at markets, had weekends away ... and done lots of talking. They organised a hens dinner for me, and were bridesmaids at my wedding.

Now I'm married, and have small children, things have changed a bit and we don't see each other as often. But even though I live a good 30 - 45 minutes away, each one regularly makes the trip to come over for a meal or a visit, and the girls love them both.

I'll always remember having my first major hand surgery while living on my own. I was unable to use my right hand for three months. Donna and Nicole brought meals, did my ironing, and provided a lot of other practical assistance to help me cope.

There are too many other examples to mention. Helping paint the fence of my new unit, listening and giving good advice regarding past relationship woes, encouraging my feeble efforts to exercise more ... I could go on and on.

Last night, Donna rang to ask if she could visit today. She came early afternoon, and played with the girls while we did a few jobs. She brought us a lovely dinner (including yummy dessert), and stayed to help me sort through and pack some boxes before going home. It's not the first time, either. I really appreciate the gesture of support and friendship.

Thanks heaps, Donna and Nicole. I think I've taken a lot more than I can give for awhile now. But I really value the friendship and support you continue to offer. You're the best!