I can never think of my friend Renate without those words popping into my head. There are words that could manifest there, such as friend, kind, compassionate, funny, dependable and even sucker, but Yak is the one that is in the fore front of my mind. And "Yak" is followed by gales of laughter.
Renate is coming today. I wrote about our reconnecting yesterday or the day before. I have lost all track of time when it comes to days of the week and I consider it a major accomplishment to know that today is December 4 and it is Friday. To be honest somebody told me. My youngest son lives with me and he reminded me that today is Friday and Renate is coming. And I told him the Yak story before he left for work and he gave me the "poor delusional momma" look as he left. But I was victorious because I now knew for sure what day it was and that Renate was coming today. I think it has been close to 10 years since I seen her.
My last memory of her was a trip up to Beulah with her dad and step mom. Renate and I were in the front seat and she was driving. Dale Tursi and his wife Val were in the back seat enjoying the scenery. We were talking about meaningless things that had transpired the previous week. We were on our way to Beulah where we planned a drive through the mountains and stopping some where to partake of what ever was in the picnic basket she had packed.
Since the scenery rarely changes we were just talking and not really paying attention when suddenly about halfway up the drive we both caught sight of animals in a field where cattle belonged. The cattle had always been there and now we both stared in amazement at 8 or 9 black very strange looking animals which could have been cattle had they not had long hair.
The words that came out of both our mouths at the same exact time were "What the hell!? YAKS!!! Those are Yaks!" It was so ludicrous that we then dissolved into gales of laughter. Renate parked and Dale and Val were in a state of confusion.
Renate pointed at the Yaks and explained. "Look! (pause) Yaks! I thought they could only live in cold climates!"
I am not sure why, but they were not nearly as amazed as Renate and I by the sight. They sort of looked at us and shook there heads. We then continued our day, but I am willing to bet that when Renate reads this she is going to be taken back to that day and she and I are going to have a very good laugh.
Some things can only be remembered by the people who were there and while I have since learned Yaks can live in Colorado, I have never seen one.
Renate is my friend. My mother once told me these words "If you can reach the end of your life and count your true friends on one hand, you are blessed." And as I set here, I think of many people who have been my friend over the years. God has blessed me with many friends through the years, but when I follow her criteria, I see she is right.
On one hand I can count 5 friends. Only 5 that I consider true friends. A true friend is one that keeps my confidences. One who knows my deepest secrets, but never finds a need to discuss them. Renate is one of them.
So lunch today and who knows what tomorrow may bring. Life gives us little twists and turns, but always seems to lead us where we need to be. I am looking to have a beautiful reunion with my friend and hopefully in this drab world we are currently in we can find a little laughter, God willing.
