Jackpot

We were invited to the local pizzeria this evening to partake in pizza and beer with some friends. It was kind of everyone's 'St. Patrick's Day' celebration being that it was a Friday night and everyone could take a deep breath and begin to welcome in the weekend.

There were several families there. Lots of kids for our daughter to play with (our son was at one of his best buddies house). The arcade was in full swing and within minutes of arriving, our friends five year old daughter came running over to the table with what looked like a million tickets. She had hit the jackpot playing her first game.

There is a really cool story about friendship that I'd like to share. The gal in the blip is someone who I really admire. She is such a positive person. You will be welcomed with a hug and a genuine smile when you see her. One of her best friends was sitting with us at the table. Someone that I feel fortunate to have gotten to know better this evening. The story about how the two girls met is just one of those 'meant to be' kind of moments.

They were both browsing the meat department at the grocery store about eight or so years ago. Each had a young toddler in their cart. Soon the toddlers began waving to one another. The women laughed as they acknowledged that their baby girls were trying to make friends. They began a simple conversation and each stated again this evening that there was just an instant connection. Soon they realized that they lived on the same street and that they were both stay at home Moms. They had a good laugh about that and promised to get together sometime. By the time this gal's new friend got home, she told her husband about the new Mom that she had met and decided right then and there to write a note with her phone number and leave it on her new friend's door. And her new friend (the girl in the blip) called right away and they ended up chatting on the phone for an hour that evening. That was eight years ago and they are still best friends to this day.

I love a good story about friendship and this one is at the top of the list. I loved listening to them tell the story this evening. They each had a sparkle in their eye. True friendship is a very special thing. And an evening with a group of old (and new) friends is always very refreshing and appreciated.