Have I done any good in the world today?

This New Year has brought me a deeper understanding of just how fragile things are in the World. At the same time, windows into people's lives have been opened up to me, where I have had a chance to view their concerns, hopes, dreams,struggles,passions,worries,challenges and yes even triumphs. In learning a little about myself, I know I am a fixer, or I at least try to be. I have come to understand that the key for me is to be a good listener rather than focusing on trying to fix what ever issue of need is at hand. A dear friend of mine recently shared her desires of living in the tropics, as I am doing and the thoughts of island living seemed to lift her spirits and bring her glimmering hopes of  fresh and exciting chapters on the horizon.
Our 25+ years of sharing our lives together is a precious jewel to me. She is a few years my Senior, we met when I was 18 and I knew it all!! Where do I begin to try describe this Regal Beauty of Style,Grace,compassion for others and a fierce ability to slay the Dragons that flew into her life . She knew who she was and I loved that about her. I remember a time when I was still in my late teens and we were going out for the evening somewhere very elegant and I felt unsure of myself,she quickly calmed my fears and said"Bran, just walk in like you own the place"! I followed her lead many a time, never failing me...
I grew up with her, when my husband first met her, he understood me, much better.
She taught me a lot about my inner beauty and self worth.Her head start over me in life was definitely in my favor. I tried to learn from her mistakes that she shared with me rather than repeat them.I have found that in moments of sweet triumphs in my life , I want to share them with her first. She has blessed my life, just by sharing her life with me and loving me unconditionally.
I met her through a co-worker in the Beauty business, I have been a licensed Hair Stylist since 1981 and I am currently still,. She was looking to hire a few people and my friend invited me to come along and interview with her.Well that was the beginning of our adventures in life together, we were roommates ,sisters,friends and co -workers too.We spent many days walking the beaches of Laguna trying to figure out the keys to happiness in life...our time on the ocean is where we are at home and find peace.
We reflected a lot on the poem " footprints" during those years of walking on the beach together. It's still a favorite.

My point to sharing this precious jewel of a friend with you is that through our last conversation by cell, I felt so helpless being so far away.....remember I'm a fixer......not that being in the same room with her meant I could of changed anything for her and she wasn't needing me to fix anything either. It was just the love and support you feel when people you care about are burdened. I ended our chat with a request for her to check her in box on her email.....this was all I sent

her name in the sand, it's not the clearest photo, it was taken from my cell phone,but it was my Aloha to her, and she loved it...I hope it was something good in her world... love you Sharon....