On Eagle's Wings

On Eagle's Wings
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

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Monday, November 3, 2014

Monday Memories My First Friend

I am joining Retired not Tired today in sharing our memories of our very first friend. You can join in the nostalgia with us and link in here.

Retired Not Tired Memory Monday

My first friend was the daughter of my parents' first friends in the city where we moved when I was a toddler. Her name was BJ and she had an older sister, Nita, and brother Lee. My earliest recollection of her was at such a young age that I can only recall brief snippets from times spent together until we were a little older and in grade school.

BJ's family lived across town, so visits with her were when our families got together. I remember the excitement any time our Dad would load us up in the car with a "mystery" destination, it could only mean one or two wonderful things! A trip to the local amusement park, or a visit to our friends' home! Either one of those two things brought shivers of delight, especially if the two were combined.


BJ and me on her Dad's horse
I'm sitting behind her. 


Me, Nita, and BJ watch my sister Roberta 
cry and run away from us

We played and were friends who could always have a good time together as our parents visited over the years. My sister and I stayed with them when my brother was born and my Mom was in the hospital. We were often in each other's homes and were friends up until just before junior high. That's when things changed drastically. No longer were we just little girls giggling and playing, but were now very different. BJ was maturing at a faster pace and, having an older brother and sister, she was more interested in things that my sister and I weren't permitted to join in. At that time, we attended the same junior high, but we each had a separate circle of friends. While I was just beginning to look at boys with some interest in whether they might "like" me, she was actually going to parties and had boyfriends. Her parents were much more liberal with them than ours were with us. Because of these things, our visits no longer held the same charm as they had in the past. Due to these differences, we, of course, drifted apart after seventh grade.

The tragedy of my first friend was the way her life took a turn down the wrong road in her teen years. It still saddens my heart when I think of her failed marriage, a child left with her parents, the choices she made in life, and the final choice she made at the very young age of 21 to end her life. The question still lingers as to why. She came from a good home. Her parents loved her. I won't even try to speculate as to the whys. Having made wrong choices myself, I can only say how sorry I was for her that her life ended without being able to turn around.

Telling about and remembering my first friend, and finding these old pics brought tears to my eyes as I wished her life had had a different ending.


12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Aw, it's a shame things ended so badly for your friend :(

retired not tired said...

I am crying along with you. Being a friend is not an easy job.

Linda Kay said...

Such a sad outcome to a young life...luckily, by the grace of God, my dear friend is still with me. One never knows what goes on in the mind of a person who feels they can't face life. So sorry.

Susie said...

Nonnie, Your post is so touching. I know you wonder if only she had not grown up so fast....I like for kids to stay kids as long as they can...not to the point of babying them ...just to keep their innocence longer. Hugs to you today. Some friends are only with us for a short time. Bless you, xoxo,Susie

Debby@Just Breathe said...

That is a great memory about how excited you would be to visit with BJ. I am so sorry for the way her life ended. That is so sad....((HUGS))

Unknown said...

Oh, my goodness! Middle school continues to be a very tedious time for kids. I have noticed with my own kids that it's such emotional time, one of changes in so many ways. Although BJ was your friend for a short time, her memory is forever!

Terri D said...

Oh my, such a sad ending to your story. What a shame that you two had to drift away from each other, and that she didn't have the same foundation you did, to make better choices. So young and such a tragedy. Thanks for sharing the story with us.

LA Botchar said...

that's so sad. what a tragic thing - so young and with an entire future still before her. It must have hurt deeply at the time.
It's nice the she has someone like you to remember her with fondness.

NanaDiana said...

Oh my gosh- How heart rending! It is just so sad to think that at 21 she could not see any joy that might be ahead of her and decided to end her life. You must have felt like you had a hole in your heart. What a great, although sad .story. Blessings- xo Diana

Sweet Tea said...

Oh! Some things just never can be "reasoned". What sweet memories you have of her during her young years. Gone too soon. :-(

Romi said...

I'm sorry about BJ...
At least, BJ and you had a good time together in your childhood.

Jill said...

Oh Nonnie, this gives me chills, I was hoping for a happier ending for your friend. What a tragedy....very sorry to hear this. Remembering the good times while you both were young is a good way to honor her memory.
Many blessings,
Jill