Thursday, July 15, 2010

Friends Forever

Upon discharge from the hospital, mom moved into the Heartland Care Center for rehab.
Since her stay was to be temporary, she was assigned to a semi-private room.
Her roommate was Virginia.
Today is Virginia's birthday.
Virginia is 99 years old.
In the Dining Center, Virginia usually sits with Palma.
Palma is 103 years old.
They have been friends since 1940...
Yes...that is 70 years of friendship!

And not just any, casual friendship.
The went to the same Lutheran Church.
from Google images

Church women of yesteryear developed close friendships. 
It was sometimes their only social network. 
They were often together more than once a week. 

Together, they worshiped, sang in the choir, changed the alter cloths, filled communion glasses,
taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
They served luncheons for weddings, anniveraries, and funerals,
organized pot lucks, exchanged recipes and made egg coffee.
They led devotions, dusted the church pews, washed lots of dishes,
packed boxes for Lutheran World Relief and handstitched beautiful quilts.
They volunteered on committees, called on a sick friend, polished the silver, rolled lefse and cooked lutefisk for 300.
They attended Bible Study, took dish towels home to wash, and knit mittens for the orphans.
Together they shared their secrets, they laughed and they cried.


They understood the meaning of true friendship. 

Here's to Virginia, and all the women of her generation, 
that served others so unselfishly...
And made friendships that last a lifetime.


Take care,
~Natalie

14 comments:

Busy Bee Suz said...

What a beautiful friendship they have.
Wow...these are unselfish women, I do hope they are enjoying their days together.
Great post Natalie.

The Rusty Thimble said...

Great post Natalie...my own mother just went to a family reunion I was unable to attend she was the oldest there at almost 89. I love stories like this......back in those days there were so many proud and thoughtful people... Life was so much simplier and oh so difficult on so many but they handled those times in a way that has been so lost today. I was raised in a family that would sit around a table and talk about years past.....I would not exchange that for anything in this world. These two women look like they have a true friendship full of love...How sweet for them to share so many memories together.
Brenda

dee begg said...

Wow! That's a long time friendship! What a testament to those 2 women. I can just imagine all the stories they could share from their years together. Sort of reminds me of a long, long marriage. Here's to another 70 years together!

D

Chatty Crone said...

That is so sweet - 70 years of friendship is longer then most marriages. sanddie

Attic Clutter said...

Natalie What a neat post(:)
Moms awh ..we are the lucky ones to have such good ones..
Mine was really involved with the church too ..always in the church kitchen cooking 'something' for 'something' going on at the church (:)
Thanks on my little bathroom addition~
hugs,Patty

Anonymous said...

Truly a touching post Natalie. Such a special bond these women have, today people grow in such different directions, there are so many options, that we don't get to experience these true lifetime friendships. This friendship is likely a link to their long lives.
Thanks for sharing.
Ronda

Suzanne said...

A truly inspiring relationship!

Renna said...

What a beautiful story, Natalie; and might I say, neither Virginia or Palma look anywhere near their age!

Christine Burgess said...

I would give anything to have a lasting friendship like theirs.
When I see people that old I just think of all the wonderful stories they could tell. Can you imagine?

Pam @ Frippery said...

What a wonderful post.

The Moonlit Stitch said...

Oh Natalie, thanks for sharing this story...I am a Lutheran secretary (16 yrs) and have witnessed these strong friendships among women whose bond begins at the church - what a testament. Thoughts & prayers are with you as you care for Mom. ~*~Lisa

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Hi Natalie, thank you for sharing those beautiful ladies and telling us about all their efforts. It touches my heart to hear people recognize greatness. The simple things of life are so great and the people that see to them are amazing.

Have a great day.
big hugs
cindy@stitches

Gracefully Vintage said...

Hello, that is amzing, Just makes my heart smile..Would love to be so lucky to have a dear friend for so long.. You came across some charming & inspiring ladies.
Karryann

M said...

WoW! We should all be so lucky!
lMnop

Visiting Family ~Weekday Routine ~Some Recreational Shopping ~Another Burger Battle Entry

Like all busy young families, the weekdays are filled with work, school, and activities. This Papa and Gigi enjoyed being able to attend bot...