hyde park, saturday
When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.
– Henri J.M. Nouwen
I want to remember every detail of last weekend.
How we met at the airport and held each other in a fierce embrace. How time just slipped away and the distance between this time and the last time we met didn’t matter at all.
I want to remember how the conversation moved freely between reverent and profane, sacred and sarcastic. How we talked about love and loss, how the past has made us who we are, and what our dreams are for the future. I want to remember all the moments where conversation wasn’t necessary and how good it felt to have her company. I want to remember how much fun it was to show her some parts of the city; walk, talk, laugh, drink champagne, dance in the company of friends, and deepen our friendship.
Cynthia is graceful and eloquent. Her stories are heart-breaking, funny, engaging, truthful. Her beauty and presence invite me to truly live my life… try… feel everything.
Most of all, I want to remember that this is just the beginning.
When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky
– Buddha
So beautifully put. You’ve described her well. And you and I will toast to her, and laugh at the sky while we do, in Hokkaido. One day that woman is going to wake up to see herself the way we do and she’ll burn brighter than she thinks she’s capable. :-)
Thank you for this depiction of friendship. I especially love the truth of “reverent and profane, sacred and sarcastic” as the best friends are those with whom we can be truly ourselves, all parts included. Beautiful quote choice as well!
this is such a quietly beautiful reflection on friendship.
love being here and sinking into the feeling of it all..
Beautifully written, my precious friend. I am immediately adding to my cache the Nouwen quote. The rest, I am holding close in my heart. I absolutely loved every moment of our weekend adventure! So, so happy we were able to spend some time. And the photo? Oh, my sweet stars. Gorgeous! Definitely made our taking off in a dead run through the snow after those unsuspecting souls so well worth it. Brava! I love you so big. xoxo
Such a beautiful quote from Nouwen. Glad to hear you had the time to spend some time & spend it well.