An unexpected, much needed, visit!
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (37571)
August 13, 2023 12:20am CST
You might remember a few months ago, I managed to get away for a day and attend the surprise party of one of my best friends of many years. She lives about 2 hours away, where I lived for a time.
Before the pandemic hit, we were used to regular visits between us. But that happened, as did my son's accident and illness, and we didn't see each other for a very long time. We talked almost daily, but it's not the same as a visit.
Today, she called and said she really, really wants to come up tomorrow and see me. I talked to my son and of course he knows her well, he wants her to come. His friend will go over and hang out with son for awhile. I am thrilled she is coming--we have such a great time when we get to visit.
My house is not ready for company. With all that's gone on lately, it's not all dusted and picture perfect--in fact, it may never be again. Most things are put away. The bathrooms and the kitchen are clean. She is very busy as well, we never clean for each other--so I am not worried about cleaning. I am just excited that she is coming!
We have shared so much of our lives. We have kids the same age, her daughter and mine have been friends for years as well. We've helped each other with so many things in life. I truly do value friendship--it's one of life's perks I don't ever want to be without.
She says she will be here about noon, and we will no doubt yak all day and have a great visit. This has really perked me up. 
18 people like this
18 responses
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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13 Aug 23
I am so happy to be able to see her. It's only 3 months since her surprise party, but it seems like a lot longer than that. Thank you, Amber.
3 people like this
@Juliaacv (51027)
• Canada
13 Aug 23
@MarieCoyle I'm so excited for you, you will make such wonderful memories together!
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
•
13 Aug 23
@Juliaacv
We always have fun and we both like a lot of the same things. That won’t ever change. Thank you so much.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
•
13 Aug 23
Thank you so much, she should be here by 1pm today, and stay until tomorrow. Yay!
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (180865)
• United States
13 Aug 23
That sounds wonderful and just what the doctor ordered Happy for you
3 people like this
. Oh I am so excited for you! Well enjoy the time together with your cherished friend . . . have a blast @MarieCoyle (37571)
•
14 Aug 23
We had a great visit, she just left about an hour ago to drive home. We plan on hopefully seeing eachc other next month if possible.
1 person likes this
@much2say (55664)
• Los Angeles, California
16 Aug 23
@MarieCoyle Oh yay, I'm so glad you had a great visit with your friend! Something to look forward to next month 
!
!1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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17 Aug 23
@much2say
She has always been the best friend ever. I truly appreciate her. Thank you so much.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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13 Aug 23
We always do. I am so glad she is coming, thank you.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (178877)
• United States
13 Aug 23
I hope you have a wonderful time. Her focus will be on you...not your cleaning!
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (178877)
• United States
13 Aug 23
@MarieCoyle You're welcome. I like that one. Hadn't heard that one before.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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13 Aug 23
@LindaOHio
It’s a great one to fall back on, Linda!
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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13 Aug 23
What was that old saying? Something sort of like, 'my house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy?' I'm going with that one! Thank you!
2 people like this
@sissy15 (12290)
• United States
15 Aug 23
I'm glad you got to visit your friend. When you become an adult you sometimes lose contact with a lot of friends or you aren't able to see each other as much. I don't know how many times my friends and I have all said we should get together only for it to never happen. Those moments when you get to see an old friend for the first time in forever are always worth the wait. I hope your visit went well and you were able to really catch up.
1 person likes this
@sissy15 (12290)
• United States
16 Aug 23
@MarieCoyle I get it and I don't judge people in those situations because you can't know what their mental health is like. I only ever get upset when they have the means to leave and watch as they abuse their kids. Some people just get sucked into those situations and end up dying as a result and it's tragic. I'm glad you have such a loyal friend those are hard to come by.
1 person likes this
@sissy15 (12290)
• United States
16 Aug 23
@MarieCoyle I can understand that. She is clearly a very good person to have done what she did for him. Not many people would do something like that after they had been treated that way. I can understand how that would be hard to watch especially when it's someone you care about. You are clearly a good friend to her too by allowing her to confide in you without judging her.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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15 Aug 23
@sissy15
She knows now she should have left him years before, but then...life happened, kids, money issues...and then he got so sick. What a horrible time that was for her. And she did it all being kind and loving. She truly is a good person and a totally wonderful friend to me.
@allknowing (136560)
• India
14 Aug 23
I can well understand your excitement. The pandemic did that to all of us It is years that we have had guests that stayed with us
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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14 Aug 23
Oh, I've had guests since it's basically been a lot safer to do so than it was previously. But not as much as before, unfortunately. We had such a great time, thank you.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471459)
• Switzerland
15 Aug 23
@MarieCoyle - I was sure you would have a good time together. She was very generous bringing you the chickens and the vegetables.
Thank you for the link, I never heard of Souther Illinois chowder, it is very interesting.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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15 Aug 23
@LadyDuck
Some areas in Kentucky make a very similar chowder that they call Burgoo. But in Southern Illinois, chowder rules. They cook it outside in huge iron cauldrons.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
•
14 Aug 23
I didn't worry much about it...we've seen each other at our best and worse, many times. We are ''come as you are'' friends where houses are concerned. I keep my bathrooms clean, and the little guest room was fine, so it all worked out. She knows her way around my place, always brings me treats, and I always have some to send with her.
She brought me 3 whole, frozen chickens, from a friend who raises them, and they are huge! They are in my freezer now, Also, 5 huge fresh tomatoes, some asparagus, and a book. Oh, and some chowder, which is made in southern IL. every summer into fall. A long-time tradition there, well-loved and everyone goes to chowders and buys some to take home. She brought my daughter some chowder, too.
We had such a good time, Anna Thank you.
* Here is a link to try to explain southern Illinois chowder.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Illinois_chowder
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41447)
• United States
14 Aug 23
I know that's so exciting to see your friend. Enjoy your visit.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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14 Aug 23
We truly did enjoy our time together. Thanks so much.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121604)
• Gainesville, Florida
13 Aug 23
That is so awesome that you finally get to visit with your friend! I'm sure that it will make your day, and lift your spirits!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121604)
• Gainesville, Florida
15 Aug 23
@MarieCoyle That is wonderful to hear!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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14 Aug 23
Jeff, we have always been as close as sisters. I love her kids, and she loves mine. Over all the years of being closes, we have always tried hard to be there for each other. It means a lot to me to have wonderful friends, thank you so much! 
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
•
14 Aug 23
Saturday night I slept for about an hour. Last night, we stayed up very late(or early, depending on how you look at it!) We had the best time!! Hopefully, it won't be too long before we see each other again. Thank you, Lenore.
1 person likes this
@cacay1 (83505)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
14 Aug 23
@MarieCoyle that was a priceless bonding with the family.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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14 Aug 23
@cacay1
Our families have always been very close. We have seen each other through many events, celebrated together, mourned together, gone on trips, endless ball games watching our kids play (now we do the grands sometimes!) helped each other move, or paint, or whatever. We are forever friends but yes, more like family. Thank you
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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14 Aug 23
We had a great day, spent a lot of time with my daughter and her husband, talked, she got to see their new house, and then they took both of us out to eat. It was a lot of fun. We hope to do it again soon!
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (19942)
• United States
15 Aug 23
That's great. I wish my best friend would come over. She has been dealing with alot lately. Her dad has diabetics and he had lost his leg because of it. She has been taking care of him.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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15 Aug 23
Oh, I hope she has a support system where she is. That's just hard, being a caregiver of a new amputee. Poor dad, and poor friend, very stressful time for sure. I hope you see her soon, Jessica.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160708)
• United States
13 Aug 23
Oh that is so good. You need great friends like that. They know you forever and help you find joy.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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14 Aug 23
Everyone needs at least one friend like that. I am very fortunate to have a few! Thank you.
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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13 Aug 23
The time will fly by and it will be over too fast, but I am just happy she is coming. Thank you!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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13 Aug 23
Thank you, Marlina. We always have a nice time together.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37571)
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13 Aug 23
Oh, we consider ourselves family. No one is perfect, and she and I are both very busy people, so we understand. I just wish I had more time to get things done.
1 person likes this
