I make no apologies for continuing the theme of Fond Farewells and Private Tears  – it will be the last time I talk about my girlfriends, for a while at least. I wanted to explain why they, and my other friends, are so are important to me.

We are off today for our farewell weekend with R who is relocating from the Netherlands to California.

What I couldn’t say, because of the secrecy involved, was that our friend A has flown in from Shanghai to join us. She has made a trip back, with ten days notice, to be with us again. Two years ago we were all in Maastricht saying goodbye to her.

In those two years the lives of everyone in the group (or Coven as Harry prefers to call it) have changed, dramatically for some, more subtly for others, but changed none the less.

Lives have changed but we haven’t.

It goes back to shared history, slowly learning each other’s stories, finding the depth and breadth of who we are. We are all different and would never have met if it hadn’t been for this roller coaster of a life we find ourselves living. We know each other’s children, families, spouses, hopes, dreams and fears.

When we meet up it will be as if we were together last week. There will be hugs, tears and laughter. We know who will be sharing rooms with who, it will fall naturally into place.

In the years these women have been my friends there has been no bitching, arguing, snide remarks, atmospheres or tension. We don’t gossip about each other or anyone else (unless, of course, it’s particularly juicy) and no one has an agenda.

Good friends make life magical – they are the spark that ignites us, giving support in other areas of our lives, encouragement to follow our dreams, faith in ourselves.  It’s one heck of a nurturing experience.

There will also be alcohol and chocolate involved, what more could we ask for?

”Don’t be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.’
~ Richard Bach

‘Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.’
~ Helen Keller

‘The making of friends, who are real friends, is the best token we have of a man’s success in life.’
~ Edward Everett Hale

‘There is nothing worth the wear of winning, but laughter and the love of friends.’
~ Hillaire Belloc