A Pearl of Extraordinary Worth

She was three,  maybe four. We were driving in my car, running errands, she and I. You get the picture: she in the backseat intent on the item  she had reluctantly been allowed to bring along, or more likely, doing a running monologue; I, intent on accomplishing my "list", not keen on distractions and definitely not "savoring the moment". Then she happened to spot an American flag and announced she could say the "Pledge of Legiance" (her term).As she finished I probably effused with praise, at least I hope I did. Then she quickly asked if I would like to hear "the cute little song that goes with it".

To my surprise she launched, ploddingly, but confidently, into "My Country 'Tis of Thee"... her version of "My Country 'Tis of Thee", and as I was just thinking that that was not  the song I anticipated, I heard :

" My country 'tis of thee,

sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

 Land of the pilgrims pride,

 land where my father's fried...."  

That, no doubt made perfect sense to a little girl who knew nothing but the blistering heat of Texas summers! But more importantly, I had just experienced one of those remarkable moments that takes you completely by delightful surprise and you know  will be remembered, re-told often, and never be forgotten.  Like finding a pearl in an oyster. Like finding a diamond in a Cracker Jacks box.

From the mouths of babes spring the most amazing comments (and let's admit it, one's own babies are always the most amazing), reflective of their fresh and unique take on their very self-focused world. Then all too soon the rest of the world moves in to correct these delightful mis-speaks,"straightening their corners" and "sanding their rough spots" (and I am somewhat chagrined to admit I am good at both).  I hope I refrained from doing it that day, but I probably didn't.  Regardless, "the cute little song" that goes with the "Pledge of Legiance" with always be one of the best songs ever; it never fails to transport me back to an ordinary day that produced a precious and completely unexpected memory for me of that beloved little girl who was three, maybe four. A pearl of extraordinary worth.

Places In The Heart Revisited

We knew years ago it was special, our neighborhood. "That neighborhood", others would call it. And the friendships forged there were special, too.  We were young women taking on new and challenging roles as wives, mothers,  Christians. Naively,we took for granted the help and support we regularly experienced from one another as we faced the challenges of life.  Inevitably, life took some of us out of the neighborhood, even out of the state, and our time of being all together on a regular basis happened only on the most special of occasions.

As the years progressed, we each experienced the refining fire of tough challenges, be it divorce, serious illness, re-entering the work force or children who wrestled with demons all their own. And we missed what had once come so easily and had been taken so for granted. Eventually, our resolve to  celebrate our shared history and abiding friendship led us to gather  for a weekend get-a-way to catch up on each others lives. Highlighting  the highs, and acknowledging the lows, we moved effortlessly into "remember when"; invisible ties still bound so closely that one word could transport us back or paint a picture so complete no further explanation was necessary. Laughter rang out loud and often tears flowed. We roasted and toasted each other, encouraged, advised and chided....and felt the comfort of long-standing love and acceptance. Twelve years later six of us still spend one or two weekends a year together, which takes heroic effort due to our many obligations, our ever-expanding families and the distance that separates some of us.

We long ago christened ourselves "The Boa Buds"...because we love anything with feathers (and a little "bling" doesn't hurt, either)!  While we enjoy shopping,  a movie or eating out together, one of our most treasured rituals is our "Boa Bud Photo Session". We always take copious pictures of ourselves when together (we apparently think we're  just so  cute...).  Recently, we had the opportunity to be photographed by our fabulously talented young friend Amber Gober. She captured the essence of us:  older women who still are young at heart, over-comers and survivors, women who know who we are and are okay with that. As you can see, we can be silly, even outrageous, but we're proud of whom we've become and what we have together...abiding love and affection  for one another. We are  The Boa Buds...forever friends. The girls from that neighborhood.