Saturday, September 19, 2009

Relationship Lessons from Childhood Friends Here are two that I admired dearly

When I entered into first grade, the very first friend that I had was Jenny. If many of you had ever thought about my being so interesting, let me tell you, Jenny was the most interesting person to me (now I'm wondering if I was more of a stalker due to me being so in awe of her life). Now it wasn't because she was some part of a freak fest, I think it was her creativity and the type who would dance as if no one was watching. I always thought that she had the coolest life. Her picture drawings always consisted of this signature frame that she would draw around the edges of her papers (see photo below) and whatever subject had needed to be created, of course that was the focal point of her creation. Her lunches always appeared to be from the farmers market and when I met her Folksy/New Age Saints of parents, I finally was able to grasp where Jenny got all of her talent from.

It wasn't until later on in school did I learn that Jenny had a Twin. I used to get mad at her around this time because I would call her name and I thought that she was ignoring me. That was until she said "you're talking about my sister Laura, we're twins." Well That explained it! Two of them, both athletic, both extremely smart, both practical and to watch them together, you could just feel their Souls combined! It wasn't because they were identical twins, it was more than that. They really walked around as best friends Everywhere

We separated during middle school as they went on to a private school however that didn't mean that we weren't able to connect from time to time. Our soccer team would compete with their soccer team. Although our high school team was good, well Jenny and Laura both played so you can imagine what school would take the trophy home.
I did forget to add this Head Swollen Part ::smile:: Jenny and Laura have a younger sister name KATRINA . Yes I remember their mom always saying that she loved my name. Well, when she had the next child she named her after me. Talk about feeling special, this was one that I was proud of!

After high school we all went our separate ways for college. I had lost touch with Jenny and Laura over the years until six months ago. FACEBOOK can be your friend!! We connected. We caught up on what has been happening with each other for the past 17 years and of course how our lives had evolved over the past 30.
Jenny and Laura Still look the same. They both remained who they always have been. They Stayed true to their roots. Both are still runners (Remember they are athletic). Each I believe are on their 9th Marathon (yes unbelievable!! ) and still look the same as the first time that I met both of them. And Katrina. The one who I take pride in her name, has TWINS! ...twins really do run in their family.
Jenny has yet to marry but Laura has and was blessed with a son that she loves deeply. Both have blogs now that I follow every month, it's our way of keeping in touch with each other.
When we finally were able to connect as adults, I realized that they are still those same people (people after I realized that there were 2 of them ha ha) that I had admired from my early years.
Laura recently wrote something on her blog that reminded me to be true to myself as well

When she was speaking about her husband and showing photos of her running the first 5 miles in his marathon (to be supportive and keep him company) She reminded me how close two people can be especially when you have a lot in common. She and her husband met while Running (what they both loved to do) and she reminds us of this everytime she's speaking of their love for each other. They are super happy when her mom (the super Cool Mrs Schmitz) is able to come for a visit and baby sit so that they can run together and without the stroller (but the baby goes on a jog ride frequently as well) It's apart of them. What they share, their common interest. Their relationship brought back a lesson that I too had forgotten
I was in a relationship for quite a few years. Unfortunately we hadn't met doing what I love to do which was go dancing ( my passion is  Salsa but I had a strong desire to learn to Tango.) My passion for Jazz or my love for symphony (due to me playing with one). My love and interest for outdoor activities, or my interest in exercising for health benefits
My guy and I didn't share many of those physical interest. Those that would include 2 adults outside of the homes were far and in between.

Don't get me wrong, we were great about discussing a TV show, a political view or a common "save the world" movement but the passionate things that I was interested in, I don't think he ever paid attention to those and the things that he was passionate about outside of home, I really couldn't be apart of. Supportive yes, apart of no.
Laura reminded me how important it is to grow old with the person that you share common interest in. No one wants to be in a relationship alone.

I get a ton of relationship questions on the subject of, "will he ever want to hang out with me and not with his friends so much. Will he ever want to go out with me ?
"To thy own self be true"
The best person to connect with is someone that is either open to enjoying your interest as you are theirs. Someone who shares your same interest so that there isn't a struggle. Someone who wants to get to know your passions as you shouldn't give them up for a person. I did, and guess what ? I never got to go dancing not after all of those years.

I' like to thank Laura for her life lesson, even I get caught up in life to the point of me losing myself. I'm sure many of you have experienced this at some point in time.
When you involve yourself with someone who shares your passions, your views or at least open to sharing, giving and receiving, Relationships aren't so hard. The ones where you feel constantly alone, are. Life is too short.
 
Ode To Jennys Signature Frame!



They still Look the Same! Just curly/shorter hair and still Fabulous! but they would never use a word such as that. They are extremely humble people. Love them!  Thats Jenny on the Left, Laura on the Right

1 comment:

  1. Katrina, lovely and revealing story of how observing a friend's life can shed light on our own. I enjoyed reading it!

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