Words for Friends:From Jenny to Louise. Think PINK!!!

Words for Friends:From Jenny to Louise. Think PINK!!!

I call Louise, AMOR because she is pure joy and LOVE! She is one of a kind and she is my friend. True friends are like two souls in one, it's a bond built out of grace.Our friendship is like a work of art transforming everyday into something more and even more beautiful. She has been my loyal companion weather I have been happy or sad thought the years. We have been there for each other when our souls have needed a lift or we have been pushed beyond our limits, I do not recall a moment when she has not been there ride by my side or only one phone call away. We have had the great blessing to travel together to many spectacular places where we have had the fortune to share memories of a life time. As friends, we create happy moments, that is what we do.

Almost 10 years since we met .There is so much that I have learn from her, such as forgiveness, thankfulness, great attitude, gratitude, acceptance.,. So many years of deep and meaningful talks from the heart have sunk ed in me. I live my life by many of these lessons. With her by my side I have learned to be a better human being and a better Christian. She just has it in her, she makes the world around her a better and happier place.

For instance, I believe that there is really an unlock door just waiting for me to open it, just because of her, clear and simple! She had the power to change my life just by being her and she did it. She has done so much for me over the years trying to protect me from harm and danger and she keeps on blessing me day after day. Always been there for me with a smile upon her face, ready with words of encouragement and wisdom, finding ways to make people's lives more beautiful and pleasant, making sure that all our needs are met, pleasing everyone of us with her loving ways, making me laugh until I can not stop. Yes, this is my Louise, who thinks PINK!. She has so many qualities from A to Z. She is kind, generous, friendly, caring, sensitive,warm, thoughtful, helpful, compassionate,confiding, honest, cheerful, bright and true.Yes, she is not one bit of spite. Aldo, this is who she is, she is genuily a true miracle of a friend, she constantly avoids this kind of attention but today, it is her time to shine.

Once more, I am grateful to be her Sister in Christ. Even so, we spend as much time as we can together. Sadly, it's never enough, however memories of our time together lead our way.

She is my praying partner and she always will be. Everyday I look forward to those couple of minute thought the day to share with her, knowing that if we do not get to pray she will listen to my heart. With each passing day in my own special way thoughts of her put a smile on my face and I laugh as I recall her asking; "un Mojito mas por favor", so she has learned to say.

Today, I stand strong with the certainty that there is no problem, circumstance, distance or situation that will keep us away, while life has taking us each to different places. I have news for her, our friendship won't grow old, I am looking forward to grow old with her as my friend.

RAK Alert! It was Edward!

Random Act of Kindness (RAK) Alert! It was Edward!

Part of my challenge for 2011 was for me to be more aware of Random Acts of Kindness (RAK). In that spirit, I am sharing this particular story--My brother in law, Edward, recently shared that he had purchased $100 dollars worth of groceries for a family that lost their home and all their belongings in a house fire. I was very touched by that story for several reasons including the fact that he is a single parent that has had more than his share of hard times and troubles. Life has not been easy and sometimes his own choices have made things worse. But the thing that really came to mind was the knowledge that the teachings of our Grandma Grandma are really alive and well and growing through those she left behind. Grandma Grandma was one of the most charitable and kind people that I have ever met. Never could a person want or need something that she wouldn’t do everything in her power to help alleviate the pain. She was such a lovely example of sheer goodness and knowing that Edward continues to demonstrate the lessons she modeled makes me very proud. I love you Edward and I know that the family you helped appreciates you. May God bless you always, sweet boy!

Random Acts of Kindness | Browse Kindness Ideas

Random Acts of Kindness | Browse Kindness Ideas

Words for Friends: Jenny to Tammy

Words for Friends: From Jenny to Tammy

To my Tammy Friend; it’s a girl!!!

There was a point in my life when changes left me disappointed, empty, scared and without a firm belief in the goodness of people. I now realize that God was testing my faith and strength...for it was during that difficult period that Tammy walked into my life. She welcomed me with open arms and a healing heart. She was willing to give more than I could ever imagine! I have now learned that sometimes life can surprise you with the gift of a friendship like this one. At the beginning of our friendship, little did I know that her Mom, due to health issues, was slowly fading away. Tammy’s dedication, devotion, love and determination to care for her Mom before she passed away is what drew me to her. I remember thinking what a great daughter she was. She did it all, and I do mean all! It was through what I witnessed that I can assure you that she is a great daughter, sister, wife, friend and Mom to her only son, Nicholas. She has been a blessing beyond words.


Tammy never seems to be disturbed by being interrupted during her own tasks. She is loyal, cheerful, tender, loving, sweet, generous and kind; however, she is firm, direct, strong- willed and she always calls it like it is. I admire her honest ways. Much to my regret, there have been moments when I have not been available for her and for that I am sorry because she has always been there for me. I feel like I have let her down because I have but she is so special and forgiving, she always gets back to me saying, “You’re funny ". She is the kind of girl that you always want to hang out with so, we all wait patiently for her to say; “I am ready to party!” I will always wait for her call because to is too much fun to pass up.

We all dream of having a friend like Tammy. She always knows the right thing to say. Her ability to listen never ceases to amaze me; therefore, I end all of our conversations by saying, “I LOVE YOU MY FRIEND!” because I do.

I am aware of the meaningful difference that she has made in my life with all the little things that she does combined with her patience and understanding. I treasure all of our memories together and I value our friendship. She has become part of my family and I have to admit that whenever we have had an emergency this past year, the words of wisdom coming from my kids has been, “Call Tammy!"

She deserves only the best and I feel honored to be her friend. I love you, my Tammy friend!

Words for Friends: From Evelyn to Denise

Friends, I humbly invite you to share any Words for Friends that you might have. Of course, the submission should be based on 2011's theme of Generosity, Compassion, and Kindness. You may post as a comment to an existing post or send directly to me at olive13paloma@yahoo.com if you would prefer to have a separate posting.

Words for Friends: From Evelyn to Denise

This note is dedicated to my dear friend Denise for her com-

passion and generosity

Although I met Denise in college as a sister (she’s part of my family tree) of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, it wasn’t until she moved to DC to work at the Walter Reed Medical Center that I truly got to know her.

When I discovered I was expecting a few weeks after she arrived in the area, she was absolutely “coo-coo-for coco puffs” for me. As a nurse and soon to be certified in labor and delivery, she had a plethora of human body knowledge. It was wonderful for me because throughout the pregnancy she shared fun facts about the baby and my body, “the blood supply…baby’s digestive system….the baby’s home is like…contractions are going to feel like this…” I trusted her throughout the entire time and she always had the right thing to say. One time, Denise traveled over 30 miles each way to accompany me for a special ultrasound to determine the cause of my preterm contractions. She held my hand and coached me to breath throughout the entire exam and I was so grateful to have her next to me.

I’ll never forget the day where she single handedly led a group of 10 strangers (Victor’s YMCA buddies) to bring my Craig’s list couch up 5 flights of stairs to my apartment. I think of her each time I sit on my comfy couch and feed my son.

At the end of this month she’s going to make a big move across the country to Hawaii. Words are not enough to express the excitement and orguillo (pride) I have for her courage to take a step closer to her dream. This past year has been enriched by her presence, genuine love and passion for nursing. I hope that next time I see her she’ll tell me that she’s delivered her first baby.

Words for Friends: Jenny B.

Today I have Words for my Friend,Jenny in Boots! Jenny in Boots is Venezuelan and she has such an amicable and cheerful disposition. She greets everyone with open arms, a kiss on the cheek, and kind words. She makes me laugh because she calls every one ,”Honey” and although I usually dislike being called that , coming from her it just seems so genuine. Jenny is comfortable in her skin and doesn’t buy into what others think about her. She almost always wears her favorite brown UGG boots and has her beautiful, long, black mane in a ponytail.

Once, before I knew Jenny, I was witness to something that let me know that I wanted to be her friend. You see, at that time, which was about a year ago; Jenny had just been through a very painful divorce. She and I both have sons and they happened to be playing on the same basketball team. While at one of their games, her ex husband walked in with his new "friend". Being the first time she had to see them together, it was evident that it was excruciatingly painful for her yet she was so incredibly poised and kind to them! She answered his questions and maintained her lovely smile. When the ex and the friend walked away, I noticed Jenny exhale a deep breath and she once again turned her attention to her son. I could tell that breathing was hard for her but she never skipped a beat! I remember being so very proud of her that I couldn’t help but to go up to her and give her a great big hug!

Jenny has two incredible sons that absolutely adore her. They are her very existence and she has an unequivocal love for them. She does everything she can to make sure they have a wonderful, exciting, and secure childhood. Sometimes, when their pain overwhelms her, I see that she fights her tears by breaking out a huge, captivating smile for them. She is a fighter and her spunk level grows every day. She is also a thinker and when we talk I can tell that she has spent much of her time reflecting on where she is and where she knows she is going to be. She trusts God with all her heart and she knows that He has not abandoned her -- these hard times will soon come to pass. My life has been enriched by Jenny in Boots and I hope to agree with her in prayer for many years to come!

Words for Friends: Rachel C.

In order to meet my own challenge for 2011, I am going to periodically write new posts that are centered on generosity, kindness or compassion. I am hoping that I keep my eyes open to seeing how these three themes honestly inform and better my life. For now, I am thinking that I need to be more generous with my words. My Words for Friends! Today, I have Words for Rachel, but if you would like me to have words for you, just let me know. Let me know in advance if you need me to change your name! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Words for Rachel C.: Everyone should have a Rachel in their life! Rachel is in her fifties, but she is so much fun. She has done so many intriguing things from being a missionary, to owning a 7/11, to locking herself in the bathroom just so she could read in peace. Rachel is always up for a new challenge. She cycles, she hikes, she travels, and she has a quiet yet fascinating husband who always buys her the most unique and beautiful gifts –such a grenade charm for her charm bracelet! Rachel has knack for choosing the best greeting cards! She always finds the cards that seem to speak in her voice. More importantly, Rachel has had enough life lessons to simply wave away thoughts of insecurity. While I was working on my dissertation, Rachel was excited for me EVERY SINGLE FREAKING DAY until I finished. She never let on that she was tired or bored with the topic. She taught me ways to MAKE THINGS HAPPEN! That’s how Rachel is; she never makes me feel like a loser. She exudes a sense of security with her being. She knows how to celebrate even the smallest accomplishments in life and she is forgiving enough to still be my friend even after the fiasco with Dorian who was supposed to just wax her upper lip!

(This picture is of Rachel and me just enjoying a silly moment at Nepenthe while the husbands go find us some wine!)

Generosity, compassion, and kindness...

Friends,
I challenge you to meet 2011 head on armed with generosity, compassion and kindness. Be more faithful and trusting of our Lord than you have ever been. Know that no kindness is ever wasted. Dare to be an angel of kindness to the most unsuspecting fellow being—even if they never find out it was you! May your mouth speak many words of encouragement and praise! Hoping to hear of your adventures.