The Blessing of Friendship

We have lived in Everett, MA now for over 3 years. The first 2 1/2 years of it, I had a pretty bad attitude. We moved from one of the beautifulest places in USA (southern o.c. in California). I never really appreciated it, and I always wanted to leave. Also, I was born and raised there. So imagine my surprise after settling to our new home (which is very cute; our landlords take great care of their home) that I discover our city it a bit, shall I say, on the rough side. I wasn't used to broken, cracked sidewalks, or trash or broken glass or kids that all dressed like gangsters. So I tried hard for the first couple of years, to visit friends in other cities. And found myself making excuses for our little city. And then a year ago, Mike got a job in the suburbs. There was no way he could take public transportation there, and it was an hour commute. So overnight, we were now severely limited to our city or a few neighboring places. It was an adjustment, to say the least. I wish I could say that I had a good attitude about it. No. It was a hear adjustment.

So, that is a long introduction. Let's just say that God really worked on my heart. I read a few really inspiring books. And I finally took the step and actually reached out to some ladies I saw frequently at the story time at the library. It was one of the best things I've ever done. This summer was GREAT. We met up for pool dates. We played at the park and did arts and crafts through the rec. center. We had the music lady and the turtle lady and story time at the library. (Which now all the librarians know us by name and greet us as soon as we walk in!) I rarely had to wait for the bus or the train. I could just walk and meet-up with people. And now....

I can honestly say that I enjoy my city! I don't notice the cracks or trash (maybe there really is less of it this year) and the broken glass. Instead I see the memories we've made and the people we've met and the lessons I've learned. It's been a huge humbly experience. So, Thank-you to my friends in Everett and Malden. Thanks for being willing to hang out with us, and at times listen to my moans and groans. If we ever do move away, I think that I really will grieve.

And the icing on the cake was yesterday when 5 of us met up for some fun at the Frog Pond in the Boston Common:
Riad and Abigail hold hands every where they go! (here they are on the subway) He is a sweet boy and has a little sister, Mimi.







More hand-holding. I think we were playing the ants go marching on. Here is Abigail with Sophia, Alex, Riad in the back and the other Abby in the distance.






Sharing a blanket at lunch time..with Sophia, Abby & Lonnie








A cute pose with the Hill brothers, Lonnie and the 2 Abigail's.