Relationship Reflection

Building relationships with others brings new meaning to my life. I believe we cross paths with people for a particular reason and we should take advantage of cultivating positive relationships wherever possible. I also believe that it is the relationships we had as a child that make us who we are today, and tells a lot of how we build relationships as adults.


Mom - In an earlier post, I spoke about my mother's untimely passing. I would be remiss not mention the importance our relationship had on my life. When I was young she set the boundaries to keep me safe and teach me life lessons. When I grew up and became a young adult, we became very close friends. I enjoyed telling her all about my day and asking her for advice about certain things. She taught me what it meant to be true to someone and how to build lasting friendships.

SJ - I met SJ through work many years ago. When I changed employers we stayed in touch. We would meet for dinner or go shopping after work. She has a great eye for interior design and how things can be improved. A few years ago she spent tireless hours helping me renovate my entire house. Our friendship has grown over the last several years. I feel like I can tell her anything and I know that we are there for each other.

Michel - Michel and I have been friends for over a decade. We met through her brother and became so close we were like sisters. I became "aunt Becky" to her two daughters and have stayed with them while she has been out of town. Our friendship has taken some turns over the past few years and the challenge has been staying in touch and making time for each other. Michel has seemed so distant due to the need to work increasing hours. With her daughters growing up so much, I am no longer needed if she is away. Even with advanced technology of texting, we just don't stay in touch as much anymore.


Maintaining strong relationships requires time and effort. SJ and I have become so close because our schedules are so similar and we have many things in common. Our friendship is somewhat of a partnership because we help each other out in many ways. We work in each others yards in the spring, summer and fall, I have even shoveled snow from her walkway when she was too sick to do it herself. In my eyes, it's the little things that you can do for each other and any time you spend with people that make strong, positive relationships last.