My friend, Vanessa Vienna (don’t you just love that name!), stopped by for a visit a couple of days ago. As we sat on my porch, we caught up on life and shared our stories about how faithful God is and how we can always trust His perfect plans even if we can’t see where He is leading.

We watched butterflies soar freely in the wind throughout the courtyard garden. The eastern tiger and black swallowtail butterflies were feasting on the fennel plant nearby. The monarchs, painted lady (scientific name is Vanessa cardui), and the cloudless sulphur butterflies seemed undecided where to land, so they kept moving from plant to plant. It was peaceful and relaxing but, most of all, a reminder that we need people in our life. We need family. We need friends. My friend and I have not seen one another for months, and it was hard to not hug, but we didn’t. Social-distancing guidelines are only temporary. It will end!

My friend brought a gift. It was a print of our horse, Winnie, running full speed in our pasture toward the barn. It’s one of my favorite memories of Winnie, who passed away in 2018. Yes, I cried as I opened the gift, and it wasn’t a pretty cry either. I cried because her thoughtfulness touched my heart. I also cried because of a longing I have for what was but can no longer be, but yet thankful for such fond memories of simple days. I still long to look out across the pasture and see Winnie grazing. Or running toward the barn.

It was a heartwarming, thoughtful gift from my friend. I will cherish it forever. She remembered! She remembered the heartache I felt when Winnie left us. She remembered the story about Winnie, “Leave the Gate Wide Open.”

The picture is on my desk where I can see it each day as I work. It makes me smile. And it warms my heart because my friend remembered. Friendships matter. Thank you, Vanessa!

Thank you, my friend, for remembering.