Reminder: Thank You for Being a Friend

Years ago, I was swimming at beautiful Lovers Key in Bonita Springs with my son and his friend. We went too far from shore, got caught in the channel and luckily a boat nearby threw me a line. I gave up my swimmer’s pride, grabbed the line, then the boys, and got us to safety. I was so grateful to the boaters yet so embarrassed I had poor judgement that day. It's not usually a tangible rope given to us. Sometimes it's an ear, a shoulder, a gentle hug, or simply time together with someone who cares.

Years ago, I lost my four best friends who unconditionally loved me, no matter what blunder I committed and there were some doozies. They had my back. My sister, Stephanie, my husband, Bill and of course, my mother and father. I was lost without them. Ever so private, I never shared my vulnerabilities with ANYONE but them. So, I hoped and to become a better friend to others and grow my circle of new friends. Sometimes I may share and trust too much when I shouldn't or maybe didn't hear another's real needs. It's a checks and balances I suppose.

Over the years our Fusion community has shared their special human touches for me and our community. Our students, clients, and associates became new friends. I can still feel the all-embracing hug from one of you last week that I haven't experienced since my mother. I felt safe, understood, and loved. Others shared tears, laughs, stories and hope. And then there's the woman, Stephanie who magically appeared last week saying she felt drawn to come to Fusion this day, her first time. I happened to be there to greet her. She shared her heartfelt thoughts after reading the window sign about "Fusion's Future" before she entered. We hugged as strangers then connected like new friends. I believe she channeled my sister of the same birth name who would be here for me in times like now. Thank you.

True friends "see you", listen without judgement, trust and accept you as you are yet kindly nudge you with another perspective when they think you need it. You trust them. It's what modern times call, "holding space" and "have your back".

So, who's your friend, your rope, your lifeline, your "dial a friend"? Let them in. And pay it forward when you sense their worries and woes. As my mother said, "to have a friend, you have to be a friend". Good one!

Over the years I hope that Fusion has been a source for comfort, healing, friendship of special kinds, good belly laughs, or gentle ones. We smile, we hug, we cry, or maybe we became the struggling swimmer’s line when they needed one. Yoga practices teach us how to give and receive, finding balance and harmony. These impressions last a lifetime, never to be forgotten.

Thank you for being a friend. You know who you are. You trusted us with your open eyes, ears, minds and hearts to lead you on an amazing journey for wellness. And your beautifully written notes, texts, emails, phone calls and so on. You share ideas to find solutions. You hugged me or another with your arms or words and held us like family. You have healed my heart, restored my faith in good friends and lifted me to all sorts of possibilities. Thank you.

We shall see what the universe conspires for us and treasure one another forever. Our final day at our current location is Wednesday, July 30th. Phones and emails will continue to be active and sent to me personally. Let's stay connected.

Thank you for being our friend and allowing us to be yours.

With Love and Gratitude,

Gina

Fusion Owner, Registered Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master Teacher, R.N.

BREATHE. MOVE. CONNECT.