One of my favorite phrases from the people in my life is, “I’m sending you a picture.”
Everyone hopes for friends who can lend a hand with childcare when necessary, share stylish outfits for special events, or provide comfort during challenging times. Throughout the years, I’ve made it a point to connect with those who embody kindness. I’ve discovered that such people are all around us, provided we’re willing to seek them out. These friends bring a sense of security to my life, which helps alleviate the pressures of being a mother, wife, sister, daughter, and professional writer.
What truly lifts my spirits, though, are the friends who encounter bizarre sights, instantly think of me, snap a photo, and send it my way. I’m fortunate to be married to a man who roams New York City, capturing quirky moments between meetings. His camera roll features everything from oversized stuffed animals in store displays to individuals in what looks like cosplay, and even dogs sporting leather gear.
I feel incredibly lucky to have friends who do the same. Over the years, I’ve received hilarious selfies from a friend donning a bleach mustache and turban for her birthday, another friend dressed as Carmen Sandiego as I asked her to keep a secret, and an array of amusing postcards featuring an old man yelling at a child, along with countless images of animals doing their business in odd places.
Just the other day, a girlfriend called me and said, “Wait, I’m sending you a picture.” This always excites me, as she loves rummaging through estate sales and consistently uncovers intriguing treasures. Would it be a vintage typewriter? A quirky sign? Nope. Instead, my screen filled with an image of a box of 1920s rectal dilators. While exploring someone’s basement, she stumbled upon a lidless box filled with oddly phallic items. Without thinking, she picked one up for a closer look—only to realize, upon seeing the label nearby, what it actually was. The thought of her quickly dropping it when she made that connection had me in stitches, especially when she confessed she immediately took a photo for me.
Sometimes, like during this phone call, there’s a story behind the photo. Other times, it’s just a random text with no context. This means I can never let my kids check my phone when it dings, but keeping my prized gadget away from their sticky fingers is a small price to pay for these little joys.
These moments are significant to me—very important little bursts of happiness. Life is filled with pressures, stress, obligations, and an overwhelming amount of bad news. The constant juggling of family life, the weight of social media negativity, and the chaos of daily commutes can feel suffocating. It’s easy to get lost in the grind and forget to breathe.
But then my pocket vibrates.
Suddenly, I’m greeted with a funny photo from a friend who knows my sense of humor all too well. My laughter erupts, momentarily shattering the weight of the day, and I find myself transported away from the chaos. As I revel in this unexpected gift, I marvel at my incredible fortune, knowing that these friends understand how much I treasure their quirky messages—more than soup when I’m under the weather, more than advice when I’m feeling stuck.
I hope to always have these friends who keep me on my toes, sending little joys my way before I even realize I need them. For more insights on parenting and the joys of life, be sure to check out this post on Cervical Insemination.
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Summary:
This blog post emphasizes the importance of friends who bring humor and joy into our lives through unexpected moments. It highlights the unique ways friends can lift each other’s spirits and the significance of these connections amidst the daily pressures of life.
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