When the Beach Bash Was Cancelled

"Are you going to cancel the Beach Bash," Julianna asked me again.

"I guess I have to. The weather is supposed to be horrible all week," I replied. I consider any kind of weather where the sun isn't shining brightly horrible. 

"It's supposed to be 80% chance of rain at New Smyrna Saturday," she informed me. 

I have gone to the beach on the Saturday closest to my birthday every year for the last 18 years. I love the beach and it is so relaxing to be surrounded by my family and friends, hear the waves pound the shore, walk, and talk. It is a highlight of my year.

Unfortunately, this year, May was unseasonably rainy! I decided that I would just have people over for cake, ice cream, and games. We could play Headbanz, my favorite game! 

Julianna, knowing I was disappointed, texted our friend Laura who shot back ten texts. She was full of ideas and hurried off to the party store where she bought a plastic palm tree and parrot, as well as other Luau decorations.

When I came home from a book sale Saturday morning, the house had been transformed into a tropical paradise with shells, bright colors, and Luau decor. A slide show of photographs was playing beach music from the Beach Boys. The menu was tropical. Julianna made pina colada smoothies for everyone.  

I was delighted! We had a blast visiting and playing games. 

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My china cabinet transformed to a tropical theme. :)

I was greeted with Luau decor. Notice the blow-up parrot. :)

Four of my favorite little guys with their shades on lookin' cool :) :)

Julianna and Madelynn with my grandsons. :)

Laura, Me, Mary: friends for a long time and a long time to come. :)

Most of all, I was so grateful for my daughters and Laura who plotted and schemed to make my birthday special. 

You see, they know my birthday has become a bittersweet time. Nine years ago, as we headed to the beach, we got a call that made us turn around. My father had died. So each year, there is a sadness in my heart, remembering that terrible day when I lost my dad. 

It is the love of people who are sensitive and caring that makes my birthday not only bearable, but joyful. 

Friends make all the difference in life. They bring color, laughter, and joy! Friends make special occasions more festive and dark nights little less scary. 

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Dining Room table ready for food :)

Is that a cruise ship captain or my husband? :)

My hutch was transformed into such an adorable taste of Hawaii. :)

Friendship

God said, "It is not good for man to be alone." I agree. We need friends. Hopefully, our spouse is one of our best friends, along with our children, parents, and church family. 

Over the years, I've discovered biblical principles of friendship.

And do you know what? These principles apply to all relationships!

Friends to the End is a Bible study on friendship God's way. If you're like me, you want to build and maintain friends that last a lifetime. 

You can learn more about Friends to the End here. Friends to the End Bible Study is available on Amazon. The E-book is available on PayHip or Currclick. This study is for women and teenage girls. There is also a study available for tweens and pre-teens: God's Girls Friends to the End. Check it out here. 

May your life be as blessed with friends as mine is! 

Love, 
Meredith Curtis

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