O Canada

My daughter has had the same core group of friends since she started kindergarten, actually even one since preschool. Like all parents, I hoped she would find a good group of friends to hang out with, and I couldn’t have asked for a nicer bunch of compatriots. As they begin transitioning from college graduates into the real world, they are still as close as ever. Even though everyone is following their own path, I adore watching them support and help each other. I am not saying everything is roses and rainbows, what I am saying is the friendship is real.

As my daughter gets ready to head to Canada for a summer internship program, she has been busy this week spending time with her friends. They travel in packs to each other’s apartments, homes, restaurants, stores and such. Recently, some have been over helping her pack, providing advice and encouragement, as well as just hanging out together. Usually I am in a different room, but can usually hear them laughing and chatting from anywhere in the house. It’s like music to my ears.

Some of my fondest memories are when five to six of them would pile on my daughters bed; they would talk and laugh for hours. Over the years, I would randomly capture photos, that I’ve come to treasure. It’s reminiscent of my own school days and how important those relationships were and still are to me too.

This week my daughter and I had plans to run a few errands for her trip, but upon my arrival home from work, two of her girlfriends were over. After a bit, I suggested it was time to get a move on, and made my way to the car, and to my surprise, all three girls hopped in. We spent the evening checking off things from the list. At one point there was an ice cream shop across the street from the store we were at, and one girl mentioned it. I was happy to treat the girls. We decided to take a break and walk a few blocks to the lakefront. Along the boardwalk was a tall, sail ship that proudly displayed the Canadian flag.

It was fun to walk along the water with the girls, as I listened to their chatter and stories, while the Canadian ship lapped up and down in the water. O Canada……I will miss my daughter while she’s away, but will also miss hearing the laughter, bond, and friendship she has found here in the states, eh?

xoxox…..Sheryl