Laughter and fun with friends bring joy to our lives. Unsplash photo.

Chris and Dan came into our lives more than a decade ago. Chris and I met when I worked part-time for the Casper Humane Society; she was a teacher, and I assisted the animal shelter with events and public relations. Chris and I connected over animals, and her husband, Dan, and my husband, Greg, connected over outdoor adventures and the Coast Guard. We shared many dinners together, including a few Thanksgivings, and we shared time at our respective mountain cabins, laughing, telling stories, and roasting marshmallows over an open campfire. Chris and I even took our dogs through training as therapy animals, sharing the joy of delighting people in senior homes and at libraries. We even collaborated on a children’s book, BobCat Goes to School.

Chris and Dan moved from our Wyoming community to be closer to their kids, who were having kids; now they live in Idaho. They recently returned for a weekend visit, and Greg and I spent two evenings with them. Our connection remains strong, and the time we shared zipped by way too fast. I’m thankful for their friendship and our strong connection, despite the miles that separate us.

Healthy friendships are critical for people. Surrounding oneself with those who encourage us, who help us to laugh, who share our sorrows and concerns, and who love us in spite of our faults and shortcomings, who are there to pick us up when we fall … nothing is as vital as those special people in our lives.

My friend, Chris, who collaborated on a book with me and who has been my encouraging, kind friend for more than 12 years. Irwin photo.

During the recent years, my husband and I have lost several people we cared about – and who cared about us. Former classmates who died too young; friends we lost to cancer and heart attacks; family members who died unexpectantly – sadly, this past year, our country and world have lost WAY TOO MANY to COVID-19 and other diseases. If I’ve learned nothing else from the pandemic, from the blessing of seeing Chris and Dan last weekend, and from 85-year-old father’s recent visit, it’s this: tell people you care about them, that you love and appreciate them, and treat others with kindness and respect; you never know when they will be gone from your lives permanently. Cherish your friends and family. Be thankful for your healthy, caring relationships.

In my novel, Rescue Road, my primary female character, Rhiann, reconnects with a college friend, someone she hasn’t seen in more than a decade. Rhiann and Trisha re-establish their friendship, and Trisha reminds Rhiann how important positive relationships are in life. Here’s an excerpt:

“I’ll be your right-hand assistant … I mean, left-hand.”

Trisha’s words the next day startled Rhiann. She looked at her friend, who gave her a smile.

“You have a job with Dr. Black, and you’re already helping me with the rescue,” Rhiann protested.  “I couldn’t ask …”

“You didn’t ask, I volunteered,” Trisha said. “Rhiann, this book is important. You’ve come a long way in the past few years, and you have a story to tell, an important story. I want to help.”

Rhiann reached her right arm toward Trisha. The two friends clasped hands.

“You are so good to me, Trisha. Since I moved here, your friendship has been my mainstay, just like when we were in college.”

Trisha’s eyes began to water. “I love being your friend. I love and admire what you do, and I’m so glad you came to Colter, and we found each other again.”

The first book in my Pet Rescue Romance series showcases a variety of relationships, including friendships between different characters.

Who are the positive friends in your life? With whom do you need to reconnect and re-establish a relationship? Find joy in your relationships again and build up one another – goodness knows there’s enough negativity out there, so let’s be the positive characters in the story of our world!

Pet Principle:

Our beloved animals are known for their loyalty. Dogs wait by the door or stare out the window, awaiting their favorite people to come home from work or even the 30-minute trek to the grocery store. Cats sit on laps and purr, reminding us of their love of attention. Other pets, too, can be dedicated to their caregivers. Our pets remind us of the joy of friendship and the need for connection. We need that and so do they.

Pets provide companionship and bring joy into our lives; they showcase the positivity of relationships. Unsplash photo.