Because I do not do well in extreme heat and humidity, I cannot consider myself a summer person. Even so, I would have to categorize this past hot and stormy summer as overwhelmingly enjoyable and exciting. Paul and I had agreed to take it easy and avoid getting overheated. We would keep things simple. No involved meal preparations or housework; no fussing with the yard. We let the grass grow a little higher. We kept our social life to a minimum. Whenever we did have guests, refreshments were uncomplicated.

My plant display on the porch was minimal, yet it took constant effort to keep five container plantings from drooping in the unusual heat. We carefully planned and combined errands to cut down on trips into town. Were content to stay at home enjoying the renovations that had taken all Spring to complete.

It was nice not to have to get up to admit the painters who had been arriving bright and early for several weeks. Day after day, Paul exhorted me to “take the day off.” Even so, I did not indulge in my favorite pastime—shopping. It was jus too hot. Paul used the exceptionally warm weather as justification to indulge in his favorite ice cream.

My summer excitement came when I answered the phone to hear a pleasant feminine voice query “Rosemary?” Then, “This is Judy Olsen.” Judy Olsen! She was my kindergarten to college classmate and I had been searching for her for many years. What a wonderful surprise. Warm memories came flooding back—her high pitched maniacal laughter; dressing like twins for football games and other high school events. I remembered her plaintive trick or treat voice, begging “Anything for Halloween…anything?” She had the ability to be so whacky despite her super intelligence and high ranking on the honor roll. She was well-balance socially, despite her egghead reputation. I recall our teen-age antics – after school burgers, heavy on the pickles, or sometimes, “a plate of pickles,” – an order that baffled waitresses who could not figure out what to charge. Most of all I remember that Judy was the first person to introduce me to Christian worship by inviting me to a youth revival and other Christian events. Years later we rejoiced together over the phone when I called to tell her of my spiritual transformation. Then we lost track of each other. Now I learn that she had been trying to locate me as well.

Finally as mature women, we are rediscovering each other and catching up on our lives.

I marvel at the faith and courage that has carried my friend through breast cancer, surgery, divorce, and the death of her beloved second husband, and I am amazed how upbeat and content she remains. I recall how much her friendship meant during the years of racial hatred and abuse I suffered as the only African American student at our school, while she remained my loyal friend.

She wonders how she was not aware that such things happened – I never told her. Now I tell her that she was my bright light and solace during those stressful times, and how a seed was planted that grew into the deep faith I enjoy today.

I ask her laugh is still the high pitched screeching one I remember. Her response, is a soft throaty one, that gives me my answer. Judy lives in the mid-west, I in the south, but e-mails, phone calls, and letters continue to bring back memories of the joy shared by two little girls, one pale with blonde hair to her waist, the other olive skinned with brown wavy hair in two fat braids; two little girls grown into women, walking confidently on different pathways to the same wonderful future promised by their Savior.

My Summer Surprise

What a sweet surprise of summer
That the Lord has given me
My childhood friend so lovely
In maturity
A friend whose faith and courage
Amazes and encourages me
My friend from kindergarten
To eternity