From the Editor
This week I had the opportunity to reunite with some old friends, my college roommates and sorority sisters. We were so close during that season of our lives, but life took us in different directions upon graduation. We fell out of touch, yet reconnected once again in recent years through Facebook. Although the four of us are now spread across several states, we scheduled a long overdue meeting in Philadelphia this past week.
It had been 24 years since the last time we had all been together. Babies were born, grew up, marriages dissolved and new relationships bloomed. We chatted and caught up with one another again over a long lunch. There were hugs and laughter and much reminiscing of our college day antics. As we headed back to our cars , I glanced back to see them strolling a few steps behind, casually talking and joking with one another. That moment, albeit so small, felt surreal as if I just glanced back in time. I smiled as I was reminded of a quote from a favorite Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“No man is a failure who has friends,” George Bailey’s angel, Clarence told him. The 1946 film is loaded with valuable life lessons, but my favorites are the value of friendship and how each of our lives impacts others in ways we may not even realize. In the end, many came together to help George Bailey in his time of need. He hadn’t even known all the lives he had made a difference in.
“Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” says George Bailey’s angel, Clarence. He points out that without George around, so many things would have been different.
When I stop to think about it, if it wasn’t for those college friends, I most likely wouldn’t have met my husband. Like a kaleidoscope, one small turn can change the whole picture. So many twists and turns throughout life’s journey that put us on the exact path we are meant to be on.
I love the holidays – the movies, the music, the colors and lights, the traditions and feelings of nostalgia, and most of all the coming together of family and friends. I’m reminded that it’s really not about the gifts, but rather the relationships, smiles, laughter and memories we create together. It really is a wonderful life!
Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday season!
Peace
& Love,
Cindy
