Strictly No Elephants and the Rules of Friendship

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Oh.  Friends.  First of All, A Long Lost Hello.  It just happens sometimes, and I've been writing so long that it is starting to wax and wane, just like my running!

But let's get right to business, shall we?

So after the fire drill we had like 7 minutes until lunch.
"Mrs. Limback, will you read to us?"

(Mrs. Limback proceeds to happy dance inside and outside and runs to her bookshelf.)

I pull off three books and L. chooses one.
He chooses this one.

Oh.  Friends.  I had no idea.  As I'm reading this book to my people, I am getting all swirly, because there are so many life lessons in this book.  And it's beautiful.  And I'm so happy I found it, even if it took 3 years!  I kept thinking about love, life and living together as I read this book.  And for the rest of the afternoon.  And while I was on my treadmill.  

So, very humbly I share my thoughts on Friends after reading Strictly No Elephants.  Everything written in bold from here on out are Lisa's words, not mine.  Mine are not bold.  And they are a bit of a creed as I write tonight.  

That's what Friends Do, Lift Each Other Over the Cracks.  

My kid threw up.  My dog got out.  Can you feed my fish when I'm on vacation?  I need you to watch my class so I can go to the bathroom.  I'll bring you groceries that you need when you have your tooth pulled so you have some food to eat.  My baby turned 13 and I wasn't ready.

Listen.  Life happens.  It's full of cracks.  We have to lift each other over the cracks so we can continue to coax each other along.

That's What Friends Do, Brave the Scary things for you.

Now that I'm 40, I really wish that I didn't have to brave scary things.  Friends in crisis.  Friends who have lost everything.  Friends who are full of fear and anxiety.  Friends who lash out because they don't know any other way.  I just think when you start to listen to the story of the world around you, you can encounter some very scary things.  But when I've needed these friends, they have braved scary things with me.  And I hope they see I'm trying to do the same for them.  

Because that's What Friends Do, Never Leave Anyone Behind.  

There is a new place in town to eat and drink and hangout with gloriously long tables.   It hit me on Friday night.  We need to get as many neighbors around one of those tables.  And soon.  Who is being left behind in your community?  Seek them out and make sure it doesn't happen.  I grabbed a girl after dinner and said, "I dream of women getting together around this table, we need to bring our women together."  And she said she would go with me on this journey!  She's lifting and braving and going with me!  Maybe for you it's not women, but there are people in your community who need you to champion them.  Makes sure they aren't left behind.

Friends, in case you couldn't tell, I couldn't get enough of this picture book today.  Find an indie book store, or any book store and buy this one please!

Joy!
Kendra