The best pen pal in the whole world

Way back in the history of time school children used to be assigned pen pals. They’d write letters two or three times a year to exchange culture and ideas. Some of these stuck and turned into lifelong friendships.

Pen pals started for other reasons, too. I loved the scene in Julie and Julia where Julia Child, to her traveling companion’s surprise, meets for the first time the pen pal turned friend that helps the French cookbook along.

It seems natural in today’s world of instant communication a pen pal can be had over the internet. That’s what Randy in Richmond has become for me. While we met because of politics, we’ve gotten to know each other a bit. He’s been really good for me.

I’m telling you all that because I want to share this morning’s exchange. You see, I’m off in a few minutes to a regional Pom Pon competition. It’s the last time I’ll be doing this. I suppose you can call this one of the first of the lasts I’ll be experiencing this year. The youngest is leaving the nest.

I shared this with Randy this morning. Here was his reply:

I only had the one daughter and I still remember the l ‘last’ time for events and happenings–it can be hard. I also think it is harder for moms-a lot harder. My approach was to give thanks that my little girl was becoming a big girl and the last things only meant there would be lots of new and exciting things coming to grasp and celebrate. Some may think I quibble with words but years ago a wise person explained to me the difference between seeking joy in life rather than happiness. It took me quite a while to grasp the truth in the concept but it is a wonderful approach to all aspects of life. The Bible talks much about joy, very little about ‘happy’.

That advice is, in a nutshell, why one makes friends. I am so very blessed to be a part of his world.

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Well, time to slap on some makeup and head to Watertown, Wisconsin. You have a good Saturday, too.