In Others’ Words: Behave Yourself

I’m writing this blog post early.

Come Friday — today — I’ll be in Wichita, Kansas, visiting my “safe harbor” friend, Fran. Technically, I’m going to meet with Fran’s book club to discuss Somebody Like You, my lastest novel. But after that, well, it’s all about time with Fran.

I’ve known Fran for decades. Yes, decades. And I have so many memories where she’s front and center. But there’s one that defines Fran … it’s my “remembering” memory of her, if you will.

Both our families were stationed in Florida, thanks to Uncle Sam since both our husbands were in the air force. I was going through some tough times — dealing with my “stuff,” as I like to generalize it. I was having a particularly rough day and ended up leaving my husband at home with our three kiddos. Kind of an impromptu — and temporary — running away from home.

But in our small town of Niceville (yes, Niceville), there wasn’t any place to run. McDonald’s? No, thank you. Walk the aisles of K-Mart? Again, no thank you. I drove up and down the streets for quite a while until this strong urge started tugging me to Fran’s house. Not knowing why, I headed that way. When I pulled into her cul de sac, there was Fran, standing in her doorway, as if she was waiting for me. Watching for me.

Because she was.

My husband had called to tell her that I was having a rough day. And Fran, being Fran, had been praying for me. And one of her prayers was that I would come to her home so that she could encourage and comfort me.

And that’s why Fran is my “safe harbor” friend.

Fran didn’t pray for me, wait for me, to be remembered. But that day — and her compassion for me — will always be a treasured “I remember Fran” memory.

In Your Words: Did today’s quote make you pause and think? Maybe remember someone whose actions changed your life — so that you will always remember them? Or maybe you thought about your own actions and how they might make an indelible impression on someone else today. I’d love for you to join the conversation and share a memory of someone who touched your life in an unforgettable way.

The #1 Reason to Behave Yourself #lifequotes #DrSeuss
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When Our Actions Create Memories #lifequotes #DrSeuss
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