When reading a post about 'Because She Does', Mary was reminded of a life-long friend and she wrote to me the story of this relationship. I asked if I could share it with everyone and she gracefully said yes....
The story touched me deeply, its moral is something that my mother always taught me: be nice to everyone even if its not popular.
This story is a great example to us all, and I let Mary tell the rest...
I first met a girl called Sandra and it would have been about 1977 and I was at high school in Dublin Ireland. There was a girl in my class called Sandra and nobody liked her at all. Teachers treated her differently from the rest of us. She had really bad asthma and the teachers made a fuss of her and she was excused from some lessons because he missed a lot of school due to her illness. Everyone disliked Sandra and of course to be part of the crowd I disliked her too although to be honest I did not know her at all. Sandra did not have any real friends and she kept pretty much to herself so we just left her to it.
One day at school I was sitting next to a girl called Valerie who was always talking and giggling I liked her she was amusing. The teacher caught her talking during class and moved her to the top of room making her switch places with Sandra, which meant Sandra was put beside me. It was strange having her sit with me as I said I did not know her. However it turned out to be a life changing experience for me, why? because I finally got to know Sandra. We became best friends and I discovered she was witty, amusing and most of all a great person. She took me with her to my first dance she introduced me to my husband she became the greatest friend anyone could ever have even though she had a tough life herself. She married a man who beat her and at times I had to take her and her kids into my house so she could get away from him. Years later she got away from him and bought a house of her own she has three daughters and a grandchild.
Over four years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer Sandra was there for me. When I was having my first chemo she held my hand and we both cried. Shortly after my recovery my husband died of cancer and Sandra was my rock she got me through the funeral and kept me going. Three months ago my beloved mother died and Sandra again came to my rescue she gave her time not only to me but to my children she was a great support to them. We have been friends now for 33 years which is almost a lifetime. I love Sandra she is the sister I never had and I always tell her that if Valerie had not been talking in class that day I would never had got to know her. But I truly believe the Lord knows what we need and he sends people into our lives for a reason, I can't thank him enough for Sandra she has blessed my life beyond measure.
7 comments:
Love her story! It is amazing what following the golden rule will do. We have no idea what somebody is struggling with and we need to be kind no matter what. I love your blog, you are such a breath of fresh air :)
Wow, that was a tear jerker. What an important lesson to not judge others by their looks or if they're popular.
You've both been through so much but have a great attitude and continue to serve others. Thanks for your beautiful examples.
Beautiful story so well written and well said. I was sitting at work with tears in my eyes. What an amazing example of God's plan and friendship. Shelby I love your blog and always stop on Thursday. Thanks for the inspiration and for allowing a forum for women to shine and support each other.
Thank you all for commenting. And thank you so much for saying such sweet things, I'm glad that you find such joy out of this series as much as I do- glad I'm not the only one :) Thanks again.
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