I have never seen an episode of the TV series, "Friends." I know the basic premise and I know that Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox appeared in the show, but that's about all I know.
What I do know is that the word, "friend" is a very important one. I have maintained some level of friendship/connection with many of the people I have worked with over the years in various companies. I value their friendship. I value the impact they have had on my life. I value the support they gave to me when I needed it and the discoveries we made together.
We met a friend last week. Nada. Nada and I worked together at Ohio Savings Bank in 2000. Nada was a trainer who worked with my staff on mortgage banking products and sales techniques. We clicked immediately. She has an "impish" smile that carried over beyond work and a teaching technique that reached many people and made them successful.
It didn't take long for our professional interaction to become personal sharing. We did lunch, had after work drinks and talked for hours about the men in our lives. Tony and I went to Nada's wedding to Alec. It was my first Greek Orthodox wedding and it was beautiful. The reception was catered--by all of the women in Nada's church. All home made food...and tons of it. We learned that on the wedding day, the groom goes to the bride's house to spirit her away to marry her. The bride's father objects and tells the groom how special she is and how much she is loved in their home. All the time, the bride is walking toward her groom. When she reaches him, her father gives in and allows the groom to take his bride to the church to marry her. The church was ornate and the service long and touching. It is a wedding I will always remember.
When Nada was laid off from Ohio Savings, she became an independent training contractor and has established an impressive customer base and book of business of her own.
Nada and her husband and kids visited friends in Raleigh, North Carolina and then drove down to Wrightsville Beach to spend a few day enjoying the weather.
We met for drinks and appetizers and the time and distance since our last visit melted away.
Nada will always be more than a friend....when I think back on some of the things we did, I know she is an accomplice!
Come back soon, Nada...and family!
Nada and Me
At the beach!
Tony, Me, Nada, Alec and Nikko...a real charmer at 4!
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