How to Support Each Other

A dear family friend always said, “Good fren beta dan packit money” (Translated: Having a good friend is better than having money in your pocket.) I can attest to this.

Let me introduce you to my oldest and dearest Bestie – Nadine “Mumu”. We have known each other, let’s just say forever. We’ve always got each other back. I can always count on her to be my confidant, to agree with me in prayer, give good counsel, she makes me laugh and she is always in my corner with the loudest mouth, brightest smile, and cheering me on. She has everything in the B.L.E.S.S. plan covered! Everyone should have at least one friend like my Mumu.

My girl is the first to make a purchase at my print on demand store – “From My Heart to Yours by Rona V.”

We are tight like that … Well almost, but let me explain.

Do you remember in yesterday’s blog I mentioned the “The M’s” – “M”#1 (di man) and “M”#2 (marriage) – and I encouraged all my single 40-Forwarders to wait and both would come? Well, they (man and marriage) had me questioning the “tightness”.

I remember the evening clearly. A picture popped up on my phone – hand with engagement ring! Her phone was ringing in under 60 seconds. All came out of my mouth was, “What, When, How, Who?”

On the other end … roaring laughter, which is her favourite pass time. She got the reaction she expected. She kept this one under wraps. After the formalities – cuss out followed by blow-by-blow “from meeting to ring” – we got to planning. It was my time to support her (be in her corner) and get a wedding and migration done in less than a year. Oh yes, event planning is one of my skills, with quite a few weddings under my belt; and I complement this with publishing (a story for another time). While I was not in a position to handle the fine details, I knew the perfect person who could get this off the ground in record time and in style. She got my back, I gots her back! 😉

Talk about a whirlwind. In the middle of the wind, she never saw the bridal shower coming. Everything was planned right under her nose. 😉 It was beautiful (if I might say so myself)! She kept a secret, so we kept one as well … SURPRISE!

40-Forwarders, what do you have in your hand and in your arsenal of gifts and talents that could benefit others (especially dear friends)?!

The wedding was on time – all parties in place or not. Bestie Wedding Planner was on duty with one focus, “Make her moment memorable.” When she stepped out on her father’s arm, she was beauty personified. And when her husband saw her, he was salivating. What more could I ask for.

The ceremony was perfect and the MC had us in stitches –  laughter caan dun (Translated: Endless laughter). Then it was time for the big moment … the bouquet toss (of course). I did not join the “catching” line. I repeat, I did NOT join the “catching” line.

At the end of the evening, like a true Bestie, she handed me the fascinator she wore and said, “Something borrowed” – prophesy sister, prophesy!

How did she get to this point in her story? She went overseas for her church’s annual Convocation (many years before) and the next I know, ring deh pan finga (Translated: Engaged).

This was not a sudden thing.  She waited. She sought the Lord in prayer and fasting. This is the legacy that Mumu has established and maintains – prayer and fasting – she is the first to say, “Let’s fast and pray about it”.

The moral of the story?

Be there for each other. Support each other. Quarrel and make up (quick) – don’t allow small matters to break your bond. Make your friendships meaningful. Build and keep friendships alive. Be a good example (influence)  for your friends to follow.

This story is just a sample, “how to”, for my fellow 40-Forward BLESSers. Go do you!

Man (CHECK). Marriage (CHECK). Mi gran pickney (YOU GOTTA WAIT).

Oh, did I mention, she was 40 when she said “I Do”! Check out my hot (married) friend, cheerleader and supporter, Mrs. Nadine Graham.