It says so much

I saw Big I yesterday - she came down to say hello with her husband and it was nice to see her for more reasons than one. It had been a while because they'd been away on holiday, they picked a fine couple of weeks weather wise to holiday in the UK so maybe that old saying is true about the sun shines on the righteous.

It was kind of strange to be honest because she's been retired from work a while now (I can't remember exactly how long) and time, I guess to some degree, erases the fact that she was once a integral component of my work life. And when you spend so much time with colleagues who become friends, who you can trust, talk to, share a smile and a joke they also become a part of your personal life, because if nothing else, they know so much about you and understand you. For me in particular it's a very special gift to have such friends around me, they bring balance and light to my world.

But as time has moved forever onwards, I kind of forgot how much she did mean to me and what she brought to my life, particularly during the times when I found myself struggling for whatever reason. In fact there is one sentence that has stuck with me ever since she uttered the words, perhaps the most wise words ever spoken; during a time when I was struggling she told me, "always be true to yourself and you will always be happy" - it's true and I've tried my very best to live by that ever since.

So seeing her yesterday kind of brought it all back to me, the memories and the void that has never been replaced - I guess I kind of miss her not being around so much; but it didn't make me sad, quite the contrary to be honest. You see retirement must be treating her very kindly because I don't think I've ever seen her looking so happy and well; and I mean seriously happy and well. She just looked so relaxed and at ease like she was living only for the good things in life which is exactly what we all strive to do - I reckon Big I has reached that pinnacle. The tales she was telling of her recent jaunts only served to reconfirm that fact and it made me incredibly happy to see her like that - so happy, so healthy and enjoying life to the fullest.

Despite her hectic fun filled schedule she was still looking out for me, thinking of me and fighting my corner like a true friend. To be honest it made me feel quite humble, it says so much......................