F is for Friendship (by Chance)

Friendships are made, cemented, broken.  But one thing we can never change about our friendships is how they came to be, how they were born.

Friendship by Chance is perhaps the most refreshing friendship.  Let me tell you a story about one such friendship.  I have to go back a way in time to when I lived in Florida for nine months.  And even further back than that to when I went to a conference where the first person I met was one I’d been told to look for.  She was right there at the check in desk waiting for the computer to decide to work.  We waited together and got to know each other some.  Carrie lives in Florida.

So when I spent nine months caring for my grandson, I knew I couldn't go without Story, my constant companion in life.  I joined the Tampa Bay Storytellers’ Guild and met some wonderful tellers.  And besides I already knew Carrie even though she didn't live in the Tampa Bay area! I was encouraged by my Tampa Bay friends to send in a proposal for the Florida Storytelling Camp; and did so with Judith, another friend by chance.  Our proposal was accepted.  MyLinda was camp director (which means she was the producer).

Then I moved back to Colorado, and so did my son and his family!  The following November, MyLinda posted on Facebook an announcement of her Chocolate Festival which she holds the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  And someone named Ann said she wished she could come but was living in Denver now.

My mind started ruminating: How do I not know this storyteller named Ann who lives in Denver?  I thought I knew most of the Denver storytellers.  Who is she?

Well there was only one way to discover the answers to my questions – ask!  So I did.  I sent a message to Ann, storyteller in Denver.  She answered my questions.  We continued our Facebook chatting and then became friends through Facebook.  In February when I was in Denver (again to care for my grandson), Ann and I decided to meet for lunch.  We took an instant liking to each other!  Ann joined Rocky Mountain Storytelling and actually helped out with the registration that spring which she continues to do. 

Annie and I exchange cards, stories, emails, phone calls.  I've stayed at her house.  We love each other and the wonderful things we've been able to accomplish. 

Here’s to Friendship by Chance!