“No friendship is an accident. ”
- O. Henry

Last night I learned about the death of a woman I knew for a short time 50 years ago. Our husbands were both stationed at a small Army Air Defense base in Swedesboro, New Jersey during the Viet Nam war. We lived in the same apartment complex, a few doors down from each other. She was a casual friend.

Something awesome happened when I received and read an email from her husband last night. In it he told me about her death and about how he came across something in one of her journals about a day she and I spent together. He also sent her obituary and a video tribute to her.

When I read and watched all that he sent, I realized that although I knew her for a short time, she touched my life, and, a seemingly little thread between us that was formed so long ago, endured and kept us connected.

And then, I realized in my mind and felt in my heart that we are all connected - you and me and everyone - so much more than we yet realize. Truly. 

In fact, regardless of whether or not we have met in person, or whether or not we ever will ( I hope we do), somehow we belong to each other and are meant to care for each other. Actually...love one another.

I wish...I pray...that we will.

May we live in a spirit of friendship with all humankind and have a sense of stewardship caring for all the earth's creatures too.

With peace and loving friendship,
Charlene

THE ELEVENTH GIFT IS LOVE.
It will grow each time you give it away.  

- from The Twelve Gifts of Birth