Friendships

23 days until we leave Barbados as our home.  What I am going to miss about this island the most - is of course, the people.  Why, do you ask?  After all, other countries have great people as well.  And that is true.  So, why is it?  Why do I tear up when I think of us leaving?  Is it because we live near an ocean - No.  Is it because the weather is always nice here - No.  Is it because we live in paradise - No.  It's the people.  Plain and simple.

All kinds of people - from my dearest of friends at my church's ladies bible study group to the ladies at my gym class each week, to my golfing gals, to our beach vendors, to the coconut man, the newspaper guy, my house cleaner, my neighbors, Gary's coworkers and their families, to my ya ya sisters - everyone on this island (almost).  I will miss them all!

I love helping people.  I love the feel of community and friendship.  I love the idea of a world being made up of all good people.  Of course, I know that will never be - but, here in Barbados - they do get close to this reality.  I get a real kick out of stopping my car in the traffic to let others cross the street.  This morning, it was a lady crossing in the pouring down rain - and the wave and smile she gave me after she had crossed.  I love letting the two little brothers hold each other's hands and cross the street on their way to school.  I love the street life that I see each morning and each evening when picking Gary up from work.  There is always a man standing on his front porch in the evenings - watching everyone drive,bike, and walk past.  I love watching the rasta guy make his rounds along the street.  I love watching the pretty young girls walk across the street and even more fun is watch all the guys heads turn as they walk by.  I love seeing someone with a car stop and invite one of their friends to jump in and they get that free lift.  I love seeing people laugh and talk and lime.  Man, I'm going to miss this place!