Marcia and Melba and I have been friends all our lives; we were friends in
elementary school, during high school, as young women, mothers and wives, and
now as mature adults with numerous grandchildren. Although we cannot be
together all the time, we attempt to gather together as often as possible, to
catch up with details of our lives.
This is a story about love, friendship and the importance of caring for family
and friends; something my lifelong friends and I have practiced for countless
years. Caring for others is important, caring for others is the right thing to
do; we care for people and we do it with concern and grace.
Caring for others is a delicate balance; you must know when to speak, and what
to say, you have to understand when to do something and how to do it, and
sometimes even how to be quiet and listen. There is a sensitive balance and
you must constantly check to be sure you are helping and not hurting because we
never intend to do harm.
Melba volunteered to take Joyce to visit with her friend Ray and because he now
resides in Cairo, Georgia, it became the perfect opportunity for us to have a
quick visit with our forever friend Marcia, who lives in nearby Tallahassee.
When Melba called to tell me about the outing she did not have to ask if I
wanted to go, she already knew I would, it was just a matter of setting a date
and time for our departure.
Once Joyce arrived at her destination, Melba and I found a charming place to
dine called the "Cairo City Grill" and we were delighted with the fresh
vegetables offered on the lunch buffet; we were overjoyed that every person we
encountered in that quaint town spoke enthusiastically to us, what a friendly
place. Then we traveled to Tallahassee and checked into the A-Loft hotel where
Marcia joined us for a relaxing time of chatting by the attractive swimming
pool.
Marcia's daughter Tori and her husband Bruce invited us to join them and their
daughter Carter Grace for dinner and it was delicious plus healthy, great food
and even better conversation. We should have been exhausted from the lengthy
journey but spending time with the Oglesby family was so enjoyable that we
forgot to be tired. Carter Grace entertained us and charmed us; she is growing
up so fast. After driving around the historic downtown for a tour by Marcia, we
retired to our room for the evening.
We want to thank the folks at Magnolia Place of Cairo for their warm
hospitality; it is such a friendly, well appointed and welcoming establishment.
Our drive home was uneventful and although we hated to leave so soon, we laughed
on the way home about our adventure. During our trek we enjoyed snacks that
included milkshakes and a delicious latte; Melba found fresh peaches and Joyce
acquired a watermelon to share with her friends at home.
Brenda S. Brown
