Blog Continuum & Life Support

I was contemplating concluding my blog as I thought I was only allowed 100 posts in a blog in Blogger, however they allow 100 Blogs Per Blogger account with an unlimited amount of posts. So today is my 100th blog. When I first started my testimonial blog, I couldn't even fathom how I could possibly think of 100 different posts pertaining to my testimony, but here we are on number 100. I could think of maybe a couple more subjects pertaining to my testimony, but I think the amount of information I shared regarding my God blessed life has been substantial and I've probably spoken of the peak points in my life where I experienced some challenges and how God through Jesus Christ brought me through those situations. There have been some very influential people who I briefly spoke about while doing my blog who I think I could elaborate a little more about as they were very instrumental in mentoring me or having a life changing impact on my life's journey.

I have three people in my life who I have considered my Best Friends Forever -- these are friends I made in my adulthood. It seemed I always had a best friend while going through school. Probably my most influential best friend is my friend Kerry, who actually was the first person to invite me to have lunch with her after I had been hired as a temporary Executive Secretary to the Superintendent for the school district I ended up continuing as a permanent employee through retirement. I'll never forget this beautiful young woman just barely in her 30's coming up to my door of my office. I immediately felt her warmth through her beautiful smile and beautiful green eyes. She had such a welcoming demeanor and asked what I was doing for lunch. I told her I didn't have any plans, so she said I could join her in the break room. From that point on, we would always coordinate our breaks and lunches together. Our friendship grew immensely. At the time when we met, I was married to my third husband. However, with my relationship with this husband, I was pretty much by myself for the most part and eventually, we would divorce. Kerry and her husband were my support system through that divorce. They loved my two children, my eldest son and my young toddler daughter. Kerry would soon have a son who I would completely fall in love with. Our families became very close, especially after my divorce. I spent many a nights sleeping on their couch when initially I had to share custody of my daughter with my ex-husband. This family was always present in my life at this point. We shared a lot in common. Eventually, I would meet my fourth husband and our families really got close. We'd spend many weekends and adventures together. Kerry and her husband were our witnesses when we got married where they got married 20 years before in the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas.  Kerry and I have known each other since 1991 and when we lived near each other, we would do anything it took for each other. We spent many holidays and birthdays together. I'll cherish our friendship until my last breath. I love her family immensely -- our families have a long history!!!

Another friend who I consider one of my best friends is Sheila. I also met her through work. We mostly spoke on the phone initially and on occasion I would see her at her site or she would come to the district office. Sheila has a warped sense of humor just like mine and we had some deep belly hurting laughs together. Sheila and I would meet for lunch once or twice a year. Then in 2004, a position opened up in Human Resources and Sheila applied and got the position. Then we were inseparable. Sheila and Kerry also had a lot in common, so it wasn't out of the ordinary that our weekends would mesh together and we would all have familial times together. To this day, I'll get a "Let's Have Coffee Call" even in retirement. I have known Sheila as long as I've known Kerry. Sheila has a best friend like my BFF Kerry named Mary Jo. Those two have the same familial link like I have with Kerry's family. Sheila and her husband were a joy to hang around with and when we got together it was total laughter. I love Sheila's family immensely as well.

Both these ladies had such amazing connections with my children and became like second Moms to my children. They always assured with my busy work life that my kids were cared for and would constantly remind me if I had gotten too busy and forgot to pick them up from school. They were both on my emergency list and had permission to make decisions pertaining to my children. When my kids speak of our great memories while working at the District, these two ladies names always are spoken of in a very positive way and always part of the great memories together.

Another lady who I met via Internet and have not met in person is a lady I call Shortie.  I consider her a best friend. She and I have shared so much laughter both on line and via the telephone. We always keep tabs on how each other are doing now about twice a month. However, there was a time when I was going through my last divorce and she had just become a widow that we chatted or spoke to each other everyday. We shared a lot of our common interests together. She recently got married, so our connections are usually about once a month now.

All three of these ladies have become my confidantes. They know so much about me. I know many things about them. They know my deepest thoughts and quite frequently have been my prayer warriors. I always thank God for bringing each of these ladies into my life. BTW, Shortie was very instrumental in playing matchmaker between me and Tommy, my most beloved companion.

When you have friends like these three, they are irreplaceable. Since I spend a lot of my time in the Bay Area now, it is quite often that I hope to meet someone like them to spend time with, so far I have not. There isn't anything as special as being able to share girl talk with a best friend. I've been going to a nail place for quite a few months now and there are some ladies there that I can speak to, but it isn't the same as having that BFF within hands reach to just share everyday happenings.

When I was in Los Banos, I had developed very close friendships with many of the church members (mostly ladies) where I attended. I got especially close to my friends John and Terri -- in fact, we frequently still keep in touch. I also have another lady who I used to share coffee and exercise with -- my friend Sue. Occasionally we text each other, but the distance makes connections harder.

Since becoming a caregiver to Tommy, traveling and staying in touch with everyone isn't as easy as it used to be. As much as I love his company, I do miss the companionship of a girlfriend.

And I do not want to discount my confidante cousin Susie who has become an amazing support system to me. I've written about her more than a couple times in my blogs. She is my family!! Along with my other family members who I consider my core Group (my blood runs through your veins or you share love to my children and siblings children) -- you know who you are!!). My family is what keeps me sustained, supported and loved immensely.

I have been blessed with a large family support system, a large friend support system  and a large virtual group of friends from different areas of interest around the world.

It goes without saying, but I'll share that my closest friend and savior from before birth and I'm sure until I take my last breath on earth through eternity will always be Jesus. He's a friend who knows every little thing about me, what I've experienced in life and most importantly my heart, mind and soul. I couldn't do life without Him. I also have who I consider the most perfect Father I could ever have hoped to have -- of course that is my Heavenly Father who provides me Holy Spirit to guide my paths.

Proverbs 27:17 --"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens his friend."

John 15:13 -- "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 -- "Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

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