Tuesday, September 18, 2018

9/9/2018 Caring Bridge

Journal entry by Joanne Negstad — Sep 9, 2018
     One of the gifts of growing older is the maturation of friendships.  Friendships since 1959, and 1980, have had a long time to ferment; so many shared memories, a myriad of stories, common experiences, mutual friends, a depth of trust, remembrances of when we were not at our best long forgiven with grace and charity.  My 11th annual Iowa tour bathed me in the balm of the compassion of long time friends.  What a gift!  Yes, I am blessed.
      The presence of absence on my return is powerful.  There were 10 Iowa tours with Joanne and now, 1 solo.  Had she stayed behind for some reason as I toured we would have talked for hours when reunited.  Trygve, the world's best dog, is a welcoming presence, but......  I ache for the conversation that cannot be.

Blessings,

Al

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