Friendship
I’ve known my friend, Rhonda for 30 years now. We met in the spring of 1986 when we were both trying out for our high school’s drill/dance team. I was 14 and she was 13. Rhonda was friendly, bubbly, and easy-going, and we just seemed to click. We were great friends throughout high school as well as college roommates.
Rhonda is one of the best and most authentic people I know: decent, good-hearted, smart, hardworking, fun, beautiful….and, strong. Rhonda is wonderful to everyone she meets, and that is why she is a beloved friend to many.
Over the years, we’ve each experienced life’s ups and downs. And, there have been times in our own individual situations when we’ve been the bigger person, bent over backwards to get along with others, overlooked B.S., and risen above it…..when all we felt like doing was having a hissy fit, meltdown, or losing our ever-loving minds. But, of course, we couldn’t.
That’s when it’s priceless to have someone to vent to, confide in, and figure out things with whom you know you can trust. Someone who will listen and not judge. Someone who is empathetic but doesn’t let you wallow. And, someone who knows all about your flaws but still loves you anyway. That is my friend, Rhonda. She is a blessing to all who know her, and I’m thankful to have her in my life.
“Friend”
Finding a
Rare opportunity to
Interact with honesty, sharing true
Emotions with
Not a worry–always
Discretion.
~Tonya R. Hengerer
Categories: Acrostic Poem, Inspiration
These kind of friendships are cherished and rare xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Ritu. I feel very fortunate. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
😍😍😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful to have photos to document so many years of friendship. Lovely post. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Van. I can’t believe it’s been 30 years. Time flies! 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely friendship to have, She looks a lovely, kind person just like you, Tonya 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is very kind, Judy. Thank you. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful post, Tonya! Frienships like these are true blessings! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anna. Blessings indeed! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marvelous pics. Friendship is something I will never know
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. Stay amazing
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊🌻
LikeLike
Just lovely Tonya-I have a BF since 4th grade and although I have 4 older brothers I adore, Tina is like a sister to me. I can so relate to this very special friendship! xo Cheryl
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Cheryl. I really appreciate your thoughtful comment. I’m glad you have someone like your dear friend, Tina. Friends are the sunshine of life. 🌻☀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are indeed T-xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Real REAL friends are as rare as hen’s teeth and must be cherished as you clearly do Rhonda and she you …. such a lovely read this was – thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is so kind! Thank you, Osyth. And, I agree about real friends being as rare as hen’s teeth. 😉
I’m truly grateful to know Rhonda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You two gals sure do look like BFFs! How fortunate you and Rhonda are to have each other. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read a quote recently that said, “My friends write the story of my life.” I thought, how beautiful and how true is that? I’m sure you and Rhonda have contributed many chapters to your respective stories. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Karen! Thank you for your visit and lovely comment. What a great way of looking at a special friendship! 😊
LikeLike
How wonderful! My Drew and I are at 29 years and holding. We thought it was pretty special when the day came that we realized more of our lives included each other than not! No small thing. What a beautiful relationship to cherish. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Joey. A long relationship is definitely something to treasure. It sounds like your friendship with Drew is very special, too. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have one friend who has been around since I was 18, another since I was a new mother in 1980 and my best friend around this small town is Jenny who has known me since 1992. Pretty amazing when you meet someone who wants to stay connected over all the years, through thick and thin. Love is the main ingredient in this special friendship you have with Rhonda. ❤
I am so glad you have her in your life, Tonya!
Please treasure her, since as time passes sometimes we unfortunately lose friends due to unexpected illnesses or diseases. My daughter in law lost her mother when she was only 20, mother only 42. Then her mother in law, when Trista was only 28. Both due to cancer. I really try hard to be a good mother in law, hoping someday she will call me "Mom." 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is definitely something special about friendships that have lasted for years. And, you’re right, love is the key. 😊
LikeLike
Oh, did you see that you were the Featured Guest on my Happiness Tag? I know it was June 23rd you nominated me, but I did get my post out on July 23rd celebrating a little late but still some nice folks turned out to see your name and hope you noticed (I think a few more visited here!) 🙂 love you, Tonya!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just visited. I apologize for not coming by sooner. I was getting over a cold last week and felt terrible. Thank you so much for your sweet words, Robin. You are a gem! I believe a number of folks visited my blog thanks to your kind post. Many thanks and much love! 💗
LikeLike
Glad for you, Tonya.
My best friend just left Romania and me for London. She went to live with her mother. I am glad for her and sad for me. She was a blessing, too. I hope to visit her next year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Monica. I’m sorry about your good friend leaving, but I hope you will stay in touch and be able to visit soon. A wonderful friend is a true gift. 😊💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want to visit her next year 🙂 Thank you for your beautiful words 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so welcome, Monica. Visiting your friend will definitely be something wonderful to look forward to! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very right, Tonya 🙂 And maybe I will also make a visit to Derrick, a blogger friend of mine who has a wonderful garden and blog:)
xoxo ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a wonderful idea! 😊🌻 xo
LikeLike
What a joy to celebrate a long and beautiful friendship like that. Love the “vintage” photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Christina. 😊
LikeLike
Such a blessing! Childhood friends are best companions:) I m so pleased to read this. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so nice! Thank you! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 Love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Wendy! 😊
LikeLike