Into the Fire

Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God

                 Friendship best wallpaper

Yes, sometimes it's the little dreams that come true and provide enormous blessings that mean the most. This picture could very easily typify me and my two best friends at this age. We went through grade school together even though two of us never had a class together. We spent abundant time together growing up in grade school and being innocent little girls having so much fun. Those days cemented our love and even though we "lost" each other for many years approaching and during adulthood, we reunited and restored that unique and lasting bond that only best friends share.  

After regrouping and reestablishing our relationships, we reminisced about those early days and decided it would be a great idea to experience an elementary school reunion. Can you believe we approached our old school - in fact now established as an historical landmark and functioning grade school – to learn if our little dream could become a reality? We were greeted with an enthusiastic "Yes!" from the administrator who informed us that two weeks after our decided upon date, the school would be celebrating its 125th year gala affair.

Over the course of the winter and early spring, we launched into planning our reunion. My friend Verna had worked on their high school reunion and, let me tell you, she's a pro. In fact, the administrator asked to use some of her materials for the big event because it was so incredibly well done. Indescribable!

My friend Debbie decorated the school table with snacks that looked like fine dining, another professional effort which could've easily outdone most caterers. Between the two of them, it rocked. Professionals could not have done a better job!

I handled the light work – the practical, non-creative "stuff". Our husbands who had no connection to our school were great assistants, helped with their muscle and encouragement, and we all had a fabulous time.

The "kids" who responded and were able to attend were in awe of being back at our grade school, impressed by what we offered them, and spent over three hours talking and laughing and remembering a simpler time. It felt good. And, honestly, it was meaningful to be remembered and to have the opportunity to once again see those who'd meant so much to us in those early years.

Yeah, it might seem like a small thing, but for me it was a little dream come true. I loved it!

 

God, we have only you to thank for it. You're an amazing God, and every good and perfect gift comes from you. Thank you is never enough. Thank you from my heart. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

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6 responses to “Sometimes it’s the little dreams . . .”

  1. BK Jackson Avatar
    BK Jackson

    I’m curious–percentage wise, how many of your elementary school classmates did you remember prior to this? Elementary school was so long ago I probably remember less than 1% of those I went to school with–and 1% is probably stretching it. LOL!

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  2. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar

    I’m older than you, Brenda. Elementary school was tight during those days. We probably all lived within one square mile of each other. My BFFs lived two houses down from me and 3 short blocks away. And other friends lived within 6 blocks any direction. We walked or rode bikes everywhere including to school. We felt safe. So, to answer your question maybe 85%, possibly more – and not that I was close friends with each of them, but seeing their pictures I remember them and maybe certain little things about them. Did I think about all of them this whole time? No. But I thought about many of them I hadn’t seen since 6th grade and truly wanted to see again. (I went to 7th grade with some of them, but we moved out of the area when I was going into 8th grade.)

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  3. Debbie Anderson Avatar
    Debbie Anderson

    Lovely, just lovely. And because you are the gifted writer of our little group, you have shared our feelings and sentiments with perfection. Thank you!! It was a rare and wonderful experience to have accomplished something like we did. Amazing, actually. To find the people we did, to pursue our dream – and to see the enormous enjoyment shared by all – just amazing.
    The quesion from BK – I’ve had people ask those same questions. My own daughter was surprised also at how I remembered so many people. I think things must have been so different back then. So many of our classmates stayed together throughout all those years, forming bonds and memories that are not easily forgotten. I could quickly name off first and last names of the majority of those people without even looking at pictures. It was, indeed, a special period of time. And we are so blessed. And to be able to succeed in bringing a group from our past together like we did for our recent event – to realize the dream we had to do that – just incredible. Such a special gift for us all! And I thank my “co-conspirators” with all my heart!!
    The three of us – BFFs – and our guys – we ARE a team!!!
    Love you all so much!!!!
    XOXOXO
    Debbie

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  4. Debra Avatar
    Debra

    Way to go Nicole and friends! That had to be a wonderful time.

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  5. Debbie Anderson Avatar
    Debbie Anderson

    And I need to say – that the three of us know, without a doubt, that we were brought together and reunited at this wonderful time in our lives for a reason. We know and acknowledge that it is definitely a beautiful gift from God. Without Him – none of this would have been possible. His hand was in it all and we give him the glory. Thank you Lord for all you’ve given us!

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  6. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar

    Debra, it was indescribable and left us with some new enchanting and meaningful memories – as Debbie said: a true gift from our Lord.
    Debbie, I love you, my BFF! God has given us back to each other.

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