Friendship — It’s the Perfect Blendship
Every year around this time my friend Lynn drives from Little Rock, Arkansas to spend a week with me. Our friendship has endured for over 40 years, longer than most marriages. We go back to when I was a broadcast student and she was my professor. Back to when she hired me as a talk show host. And further back to the day her son Matt was born. We’ve been through weddings, births, children, grandchildren, and several grand vacations along the way.
Professionally, we’ve morphed into trusted colleagues, and are each other’s biggest fans. When there was an opening for a visiting professor at her university, I got the job. When I launched a broadcast school, Lynn got the job. We’ve hosted a myriad communication seminars, and have been on the radio many times with our entertaining Linn and Lynn shtick. Better yet, we continue thinking of new ways to help each other.
Another glorious friend is Janie, the girl next door. We were only five years old when we first met as neighbors. We’ve been glued at the hip ever since she shoved a piece of cake in my mouth. My kind of gal, I said. Janie is one of the most generous and extraordinary conversationalists I’ve ever known. She’s a good listener and a good talker. A rarity, because people are generally one or the other. Janie listens profoundly and responds mindfully. She has an affinity for making you feel special, another rarity. When it comes to our family events, we’re kissin’ cousins.
Janie is an Ethel to my Lucy. Every girl needs one. Our escapades aren’t quite as ostentatious as the “reel” Lucy and Ethel, such as the time they paraded around as Martians on top of the Empire State building. Let’s just say we’ve had our share of shenanigans.
When I was younger, I didn’t have as much time to spend with my friends. Now, It’s a blessing. I’ve made a lot of friends since I first met Janie and Lynn, but those two are my golden girls. Old friends love us, understand us, and accept us warts and all.
With grace and gratitude, I salute all friendships — from cherished old friends, to my soon-to-be new friends. Email Donna at: showmetalkradio@gmail.com.