Three Girls, Three Lives, Three Wishes
These past few days have been a special walk down memory lane. My best friends from nursing school, Betty and Christie, visited me here in New Hampshire to celebrate our 70th birthdays. Betty grew up on a rural Georgia dairy farm, Christie’s military family had her living everywhere from Guam to California, and I grew up in the suburbs of Greenville, South Carolina. Three girls, three very different backgrounds, and now, three different wishes for the years ahead.
A Weekend of Memories
We spent the weekend reminiscing about our time together in nursing school, pulling out our senior year annual, and laughing over pictures and the faces of old friends. It was a constant stream of, “Do you remember her? Do you remember when?” And, of course, they claimed not to recognize some of my shared stories. “Really? It happened like that?” they’d ask.
I had to remind them of something my own kids would say when overhearing my stories: “Mom, that’s not exactly how it happened!” I’ve always told them, “I’m a storyteller, not a historian!” It’s funny how our memories change over time—research even shows that about 50% of what we remember differs from how events actually happened. It’s fascinating to compare notes with others who saw the same scene unfold and realize how different the perspectives can be.
A Lesson from Mr. Franklin
Betty shared a story that made quite an impression on all of us. Her dad, a dairy farmer, was raising cows, growing corn, and tending to a big vegetable garden—all dependent on Mother Nature’s timing for rain. One scorching summer, rain just wouldn’t come. Betty, a young girl at the time, sat beside her dad in his 1954 Ford pickup as they drove around their parched cornfields. Desperate for rain, Mr. Franklin had been praying for it every day. Then, out of nowhere, the clouds opened up and poured rain onto the dry land. Her dad stopped the truck, got out, and lifted his hands to the sky, thanking God for the much-needed rain. That moment left a lasting impact on Betty, and I could see why.
As we shared these stories, Betty reminded us that while we have countless memories from our 52 years of friendship, we also have memories from the 18 years before we even knew each other. Our stories didn’t start the day we met; they began the moment we were born (and maybe even before that), and they’ll continue until our very last breath.
Crafting Our Futures
We are the creators of our lives. I understand that more now than ever. Our imagination is critical to how the future will unfold. Betty imagines becoming more involved in caring for lonely people in her North Georgia community. Christie has a passion for helping younger women discover who they are in the eyes of God. I am devoted to playing with my grandchildren, teaching them about God’s goodness, truth, and beauty.
In many ways, the lives we build are like the fences we create: strong, purposeful, and protective, but also flexible enough to allow growth and connection with others.
Fences That Shape Our Spaces
Each of us is shaping our future in our own unique way, but no matter our paths, the common thread is our desire to leave the world a little better than we found it. Just as we craft our lives with intention and care, we at Louis Page put the same thoughtfulness into providing the highest quality fencing to meet the individual needs of each customer—whether it’s securing a garden, protecting livestock, or simply creating a space where memories are made. After all, a well-built fence isn’t just about keeping things out; it’s about making room for what matters most within.
It’s funny how stories, like fences, create boundaries that shape the spaces of our lives—keeping in the precious memories while allowing us to connect with what’s important. Just like Mr. Franklin’s fields needed rain to thrive, our fences sometimes need the right materials to protect what we hold dear.
At Louis Page, we provide top-quality fencing solutions that stand the test of time, whether you’re looking for American-made wire or trusted materials sourced from Italy or China. We’re here to help you build something that lasts.
Share Your Story
Do you have a story or memory that shaped who you are today? I’d love to hear it! And if you have any upcoming fencing projects, let’s chat. Drop me a line at debbie@louispage.com, and let’s create something that stands the test of time.
Here’s to long-lasting friendships, unforgettable memories, and fences that protect what matters most.
Terry is ready to help you place your order. Call her at 978-486-3116.
Kind Regards,
Debbie Page CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (131 years of continuous service through 2 world wars and 2 pandemics)
