Here's to People Who Have Our Backs!

Polly found a great friend on the job! And it makes me so happy that Polly found Sherry. She sounds like a very special person. And it makes me glad to know Polly has someone like this who watches over her. Twice, in our 38 year friendship, I have had to watch Polly move away. The first time we lived in San Marino and we were juniors in high school...we thought it was the end of the world as we sobbed as she packed up her stuff. Her parents thought we were nuts, but...we were such good friends...and didn't want to think of not living close to each other. She was moving all the way to Conneticut...which seemed like she was moving to another planet. But, LUCKILY...she couldn't stay away and moved back to Southern California when she got married, and~YIPPEE~she lived close again. (I have always thought of her as a So Cali girl at heart...no matter where she lived!) The nine children we had between us were all born by 1995...and I was so happy that we were close enough to watch each others kids grow up...and they could even go to school together...just like we did. And maybe at least one of my four boys would marry one of her four girls...think we planned that? Well I guess not, because she moved away again over 15 years ago to Utah. And thank goodness for email and texts...because we can communicate whenever we need to. Probably more than we even had time for when she lived in Glendora. It makes her feel so close! And I think it's funny how when we are young...we feel jealous of the friendships our best friends might have had with others. But...now that we are...oh dear...(how do I put this gently?)...how about if I just say...a little wiser...we are just so happy that angels are sent to care for our friends, when we aren't there to do it ourselves. I thank God for bringing Sherry to my friend. And I am sure Sherry feels just as blessed by having Polly come to care for her!   

Here is Polly's story...

I was one of those women fortunate enough to get to be a stay at home mom after I had my third baby.  Sadly, after my divorce, I did have to go back to work.  It had been about 12 years and a LOT had changed during the course of that time, especially with computers.  I was fortunate enough to get a job as a part-time bookkeeper at a non profit organization and that is where I first met Sherry.

Sherry was the office manager and oddly enough, she was under the impression that I was an accountant and was going to teach her a thing or two ... not so much.  Sherry soon learned that I had been out of the work force for the past several years and basically knew nothing. I relied heavily on her to teach me all that she knew.  And that is exactly what she did!  Sherry taught me the ins and outs of all things office!  (I call her my office guru.)  Sherry was sooooo patient with me as I asked her my 102 daily questions - and even if I kept asking the same question, she was as patient as she could be and always encouraging; "Its okay.  You'll get the hang of it."  

After about a year, Sherry moved on to another company but she still remained (and remains after four years) my go to girl!  I call her with questions all the time and she is always patient, helpful, and willing.  If Sherry doesn't know the answer to something, she will say, "Let me talk with one of our IT guys and I'll get back to you."  I really don't think I would have lasted on the job without the continued support and help from this lady!  Not only has she been a great mentor for me in the work place, she has also become a close personal friend of mine.  

One thing I know for sure, is that no matter what the circumstance may be - Sherry has my back.  She is one of those extremely level headed people. She thinks rationally, so I can always count on her to be a voice of reason for me.  I respect her opinion and I value her opinion too!  Sherry has been there for me during some pretty tough times, some highs and some lows, and I know I can count on her 100% of the time. She tells it like it is but in a way that lets you know she cares, is looking out for what's best for you because she doesn't want to see people she loves get hurt.  I appreciate having her in my life and I wanted to let her know that!

I made a little Easter basket for her with a card that said:

"Let us be grateful to people who make us

happy; they are the charming gardeners

who make our souls blossom."

Dear Sherry -

I hope you know how much I enjoy our friendship!

I do feel like you are one of those people who "gets me", 

and that I can be completely open with, honest with, and

myself with, without any judgement.

You have been a great source of strength and encouragement

for me during these last five years and I so appreciate you for that!

You are also a GREAT voice of reason - and we both know

I can use that every once in awhile!!!  :)

Lots of Love ...

Polly

P.S.....Love that Charming Gardeners quote Polly...love you, too!!!