Missing a Friend

Jim and I watched a couple episodes of the '70's British sitcom, "Some Mothers Do Ave Em" last night and it made me miss my friend, Cindy. My introduction to the show took place at her home in Yerrinbool, Australia during a school holiday. Cindy had the most generous hearted parents, Peter and Maureen Kruss, who offered to host a whole crew of temporarily homeless students for nearly a week. Chris, Amy, Alison, Cindy, Russ, myself. College kids sprawled all over and laughter echoing into every corner of the small Kruss home. I can't even remember everyone that was there...what a crazy, fun crew we were. That week remains one of my all-time favorite memories. Why, 20 years later, can I still vividly recall Cindy and the rest of us crowded into her living room, watching Michael Crawford's antics on TV? I don't know why some seemingly insignificant events stick in our memories, but I'm thankful for the reminders of a kind friend who lived her short life well. Cindy passed away a few years ago but I remember her often....Sometimes when I see a sheep....when I hear a certain song or watch a particular British comedy....sometimes when I see a bowling ball and ALWAYS when I have some Twining's Earl Grey. I'm glad God gave me such a friend and I look forward to our reunion some day, when I will once again see her roll her eyes at me and say, "oh, Chelle."




(1993-Me, Cindy Kruss and Amy Shields)
Amy's Bridal shower, Australia
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Location:Bath,United States

Happy Birthday, Mom

I waited until this evening to pop in on Mom and wish her a happy birthday and I was not the only procrastinator. In the 20 minutes I was at the house she had five phone calls. One of them was from my little niece, Ally, who lovingly sang a sweet rendition of "Happy Birthday" to her Mimi. At the other end of the "love my Mimi" spectrum is 8 year old Tell Gilbert, who called my phone while Ally was finishing her birthday wishes. Our conversation concluded with this:

Me: I'm at Mimi's house visiting because it's her birthday.

Tell: It is? You didn't tell me that.

Me: No, I'm sorry. I should have told you but she's coming to the house tomorrow so you'll be able to see her. She's talking to Ally right now. Ally sang "Happy Birthday" to her.

Tell: Well, I was just wondering if you were going to the store because we don't have any juice.

Me: I'm not going tonight but the next time I am at the store, I will get some. Mimi just got off the phone. Do you want to say "Happy Birthday?"

Tell: Well....I will think about that.
(Click. The phone goes dead.)

Mom laughed and made note of how very different her grandchildren were from each other. I'm glad she has a sense of humor about these things.




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Burnt Brownie Points

According to an after-church conversation today, I apparently would be much better off singing for my supper, rather than making it myself.

Jim shared with Dwane Sukeforth that he thought my song this morning was one of the nicest that I have ever sung. Dwane, of course, implied that such high praise was an effort on Jim's part to gain some brownie points with me. Jubal neither agreed or disagreed but simply told me, "Well, Mom, whatever you do, don't make the brownies. Just buy them."

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