Counting of (Friend) Blessings

On my recent visit to my homeplace, I experienced our human power to bless, heal, and renew one another. I lived in many different places in Milwaukee WI, so when I use the Southern expression, homeplace, I am referring to the city itself. What made my visit so nourishing, as if it were food my body craved? Being accepted and cared about. Ease. Trust. Familiar faces saying, I know you. Friends who were excited to spend time with me. Feeling welcomed wholeheartedly. Being treated with generosity. Feeling valued. It was a visit that gave me a sense of connection with family, family of choice.

I drove from Asheville NC and my son flew in from NYC. We hung out together, with old friends of his I remember, and with old friends of mine who knew my son when he was a boy. Everywhere we went, we were warmly embraced. I got to float in the luscious cold of dear Lake Michigan’s blue bowl, twice! I organized an impromtu Poetry Salon one evening, and got to share from the heart with writer friends. The whole week was a Counting of friend Blessings. These are the beings who are part of me. Because of old friends (and among them I include my sister, my son, and Lake Michigan), I re-member myself. Because of them, I see myself reflected whole.