Friends are Friends Forever - Part 1 of 4

As our move to Utah approaches (15 days and counting), I couldn't be more excited. We've been planning and hoping for so long, and now that it's reality, it can't happen fast enough. Still, there's always the bit of bitter with the wonderful sweet, when we think about the people we will leave behind. As I've mentioned before, my very closest friends have already left. One moved to Texas two years ago and the other to Rexburg last summer. But they are not the only people who've been part of our lives here in Billings. I'm reminded of a tune with lyrics by Michael W. Smith, "Friends are Friends Forever." In this 4-part series, I would like to share some memories of friends whom we will leave behind in Billings.

Trudy - Part 1 of 4
I have been walking for at least 15 years, maybe more. It's more than just exercise for me; it's a way of life. I really can't imagine not walking. It began as a part of my on-going weight management program, but the benefits are so much greater than that. Walking is good for bone strength, cardiovascular health, mood stabilization, Vitamin D accumulation, and more. It's the perfect exercise! Through the years, I've had numerous walking partners come and go, some more dedicated than others. However, never have I had one as fiercely dedicated as Trudy. Most people, it seems, very much like the idea of walking, you know...the healthy lifestyle thing, etc. But unfortunately, when it comes down to actually doing it, well let's just say that often, the spirit is willing, but the flesh, not so much.

This was never the case with Trudy. Seven years ago, she and I began walking the bike trail near our homes. Our regular route is just about four miles round trip. We've walked more than that and less, depending on the day and circumstances, but generally that's about how far we go. The thing with Trudy is that, like me, walking is a priority to her. It's not her highest priority, nor is it mine. We both have families, she has a full time job, and we both have church and other responsibilities. Though not the absolute highest priority for either of us, it's still very high, in fact one of the highest. And that's what makes it work: our unyielding commitment to walking as many days as possible, even if it means sometimes sacrificing other things.

And work it does. I wish I had kept track of the number of miles or hours she and I have walked together. It's lots. And lots. And lots. With the exception of the most bitter cold winter days or when there is ice on the ground (Trudy is slightly accident prone and is terribly afraid of falling), we average five out of seven days a week, year round, and we've been doing this for seven years. I sincerely hope she can find someone else to walk with when I leave. Shulamith says she'll be my new partner. I hope so! I will miss Trudy for sure. Her dedication and commitment these past seven years have been remarkable.

"Friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say 'never,'
'Cause the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends."

...............to be continued..................