A quick story that shows the beauty of friendship and how it transcends and expands. Three of her friends joined us tonight, after all it's Phoebe's birthday. Nineteen balloons for anyone wanting to write a note, send it along ...we never really know! Owen writes three, Mary Claire the same, the girls all send notes of love and missing. Her three friends draw and write, one finishes first and steps outside to set it free, only to tie it to a chair. "I don't think Phoebe would approve," she says. "It's not good for the environment, what if it gets caught in a whale blow hole" I thought about that, and it's true ...but just for today I tell her. She goes back inside. The quiet one sits drawing and writing, the details I know Phoebe loves and appreciates. In walks the friend who spent years bickering and bantering with Phoebe ...a great love for each other that found a simple joy in the conflict. She writes quickly, looks outside and sees the tied balloon, and Mary Claire tells her who it belongs to. "Hey, why aren't you sending it off?" I tell her "she doesn't think Phoebe would approve." And as quickly as I say it, this dear friend's back is to me, MARCHING out the door. "Well that settles it, I'm definitely letting mine go! Phoebe would say that and its ridiculous." As if Phoebe herself had whispered in her friend's ear, admonishing her for so readily dismissing the environmental hazard!
That moment catches me ...friendship, real abiding, honest friendship transcends time. Phoebe is loved by this friend as deeply as ever ...and this friend knows Phoebe loves her still too ...and the bickering continues. God can do these things ...He makes love last, makes friendship that never dies ...never tires.
Three girls, missing the fourth ....changed for sure ...but unchanged too ...amazing! Phoebe is so well loved.
Eternal rest grant unto Phoebe and may perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen
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