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.
