Honie Briggs

I’ve already shared many pics from my trip to the Land of a Thousand Smiles, but of the close to 3500 taken by several of us traveling together, I have only begun to scratch the surface. These are some of the people I saw in Thailand during the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2010. Some are funny. Each made an impression on me. All are beautiful and meant to be enjoyed with respect for the wonder of our human condition. 

The experience restored my soul and gave me the strength I would need in 2011, to share the last days of my most cherished friend, Donna. It’s been almost a year since Donna passed away, and as new friendships move into my life, I can hear her saying, “Hey Woman! See, I told you, you’re gonna be just fine.” She liked being right. (And she was most of the time.) Donna and I met when I was working in the jet engine shop with her husband. It was a challenging work environment, and this smart-ass Southern girl needed a friend. I found one in Donna. A proud Southerner herself, she helped me keep my attitude in check (mostly) and listened to me bitch about what jerks I worked with. It turned out that she was good for all seasons and our friendship spanned 23 years through divorce, DIY home improvement projects, road trips, relocation, and the joys and sorrows of womanhood.

If not for another friendship, that began in the toxic work environment of Lehman Brothers, I would have missed this opportunity to visit Thailand. So, for that meat grinder of a job, I am truly grateful, because that is where I met my Swedish friend, Catherine. Friendship is funny that way; it shows up in the most unexpected places. When you find yourself in need of a friend, hold your head up and scan the crowd.

They’re everywhere you look!