The circle

My heart is full – Julia completed a half-marathon Sunday and Alan and I walked a 5K with Taj to raise money for the Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF! In spite of tight economic times, so many family and friends donated money. Julia completed something that made me nervous – she ran 13.1 miles in 2:10. It’s not that she can’t do the running – I knew she could. It’s tricky for her to monitor and adjust blood sugar in the days after a long run; she's learned from experience that it’s part art and science. I'm proud of all she balances.

What has given me perspective this week is the alcohol-related death of a young friend of ours who was just 18 years old. Her mother and I have been friends for 20 years. My friend lives out of state and I couldn’t put my arms around her, but instead have been relying on email and Facebook messages to offer some kind of comfort. Facebook has turned out to be a treasure – friends can post images of the beautiful young woman, and send messages of love.

I wanted to much to make my friend a meal; I did the next best thing - I mailed a box of homemade chocolate chip cookies, farmers market butterscotch almonds, tomato basil tortillas, an avocado, a box of spaghetti noodles, a chocolate bar, and a box of raisins. Today she received the package. I feel like I’m in the same room with her.

Tonight is also the birthday of two sweet young people – Tim, born 24 years ago, and Katie, born 23 years ago. Wonderful young people born to dear friends.

The circle continues.