Juliane

  
    Oh April ~ How glorious you are this year. The sun shines and shines. The farmers have already taken in a grass crop and are moving onto their second. My children are already getting quite tanned and I am sticky with sweat. The switch has been abrupt and intense weather wise. A garden would already be flourishing when we have been used to planting in May.
   Today a special day ~ it is my friend's birthday. She was born a couple days before me in Germany while I arrived in Canada. I met her when I was in grade ten. She came to my school for a while and we connected. We kept in touch when she went home for a while through letters and then as the years went by we drifted apart. Enter the magic of facebook and seven years ago we reconnected. We had both gotten married and started families by then. She came over to visit with her family one summer while I was pregnant with my third. Since then she has sent me letters. Real letters. She has sent packages in the mail for my children and myself. She has sent me light and kindness during very dark times. She has carved out moments in her busy life for me. English is not her first language so I realize that when she writes me these beautiful letters it must take considerable effort to express herself the way she does. Friendship is the perfect gift to give someone but pure friendship that transcends borders and languages is incomprehensible unless you have experienced it. To receive encouragement, love and care from so far away in a physical form helps me to lift up my head and stand stronger. Juliane, thank you for the hope you send to me, for the support and love you give me. I have been so blessed and brightened to have you in my life. God bless you my dear friend. May you find a new sense of joy and wholeness this year, may you feel deep peace and strength. You are a treasure. Love Tansy