My best and longest-time friend is Krissy Wertz Cross.  She and I met when we were 13 years old and became locker partners at Urbandale Junior High School in Urbandale, Iowa.  Who would have known that chance partnering would begin a decades old friendship? 

When the pandemic began in March 2020 and we were all sent home, I found myself in my apartment each day, as many of you did, too.  It had been years since I spent so much time at home…alone…with each day blending into the next.  

I made some commitments in those early days – I was going to clean out my closets, drawers, and bookshelves (which I did ).  I was going to go outside and walk each day, regardless of what the weather was like (which meant I often came home completely drenched from the rain or snow I hadn’t anticipated!), and I was going to reconnect with some of my long-time friends.

Krissy was one of them.  Throughout the last two years she has been a constant companion, encourager, text-sender, long phone conversation partner and just the dearest of friends.  I am so grateful to her.  I have told her many times that she has been a lifeline of connection throughout these two years, and I am so grateful for her.

For all of you, if you have a friend out there or another loved one with whom you haven’t connected for a while, don’t delay.  Reach out.  Reach out now.  If we have learned anything over the last two years it is that life is precious, and it is short.  

Make the most of every moment.  Seize the opportunity waiting for you each day to reach out and connect with a cherished friend or loved one.

Believe me, you will not regret it.

Shared by Reverend Dr. Elise Brown