Just a thought… Some friends feel like home. Not because they fix you, but because they never ask you to be anything except yourself. You can be quiet around them. You can be tired, messy, honest. And somehow, even in your worst moments, they still choose you. That’s not ordinary. That’s something to hold close. [Author Unknown]

12 days ago my friend Lisa Brandt marked my birthday with a lovely piece she wrote about me and our friendship. Well today, just as I did nearly a fortnight ago, Lisa turns 63. I didn’t want to copy her – she is inimitable after all – so I’m launching into a haiku. I’ve never done this before, leaning more towards the lightness of a limerick. But she’s worth the challenge.

Although I don’t think it can come close to the sentiment expressed by the quote above, I’ll give this a go.

Lisa

A friend for all time

Soft of heart, wise beyond words

Her kindness heals many.

Animal lover

Stoic yet empathetic

A laugh like music.

She is a true gift

To all within her circle

Grateful are we all.

There. I tried a haiku. Besides, with a limerick do you know how FEW words rhyme with Lisa besides Pisa and Theresa???

Happy Birthday, my friend. We arrive at her doorstep on Friday morning after a red-eye from Victoria to Toronto, so our first few hours will be more nappy and less snappy, but a more wonderful Thanksgiving we could not hope for than one with Lisa and Derek.

Join Lisa and me for Ep 148 of Gracefully and Frankly and hear what she’s got in store for us!