A Friendship for a Lifetime By Deborah Sivret

I first met Lisa Berger during my freshman year at Middletown High School. Neither of us can remember exactly which class we met in, but we both agree—it was probably sewing. We were eager to learn how to sew, not knowing then just how creative and crafty we would both become.

We’re fairly certain we shared other classes too, though trying to recall specifics from 50 years ago is no easy task.

What we do remember clearly is our love for ceramics. Lisa’s mom had a ceramic studio in the basement of their house, and we would spend countless late nights—sometimes until 1 or 2 a.m.—painting ceramics and sharing stories.

After graduation, I moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1976 with my then-boyfriend, who would soon become my husband. Lisa and I stayed in touch, and our friendship only deepened from there. I eventually had three children, and Lisa became known to them as “Aunt Lisa.”

In 1979, I returned to New Jersey for a couple of years. When my daughter was born in 1980, Lisa made her a beautiful Raggedy Ann and Andy baby quilt. My daughter cherished that quilt well into her late twenties—and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s still tucked away somewhere in her home.

Years later, when my daughter had her first child—my grandson—Lisa made him a baby quilt as well. That "baby" is now 23, and on a recent visit to his apartment, he pulled out that same quilt with pride and nostalgia.

Today, I have eight grandchildren, and every single one of them calls her Aunt Lisa.

In 1982, Lisa and her boyfriend moved to West Palm Beach. Around the same time, my husband and I moved back to Jacksonville. Despite the miles between us, Lisa and I made a point to visit each other often, and our bond only grew stronger.

Lisa stood by me through every high and low—through the ups and downs of my marriage and the challenges of raising children. She never judged me, even when she didn’t fully agree with my decisions. She was my confidant, my greatest supporter, and truly, my best friend.

Over the years, every time we reunited, we would find a new sewing or craft project to dive into together. We still have so much in common and often joke that we’re sisters from different mothers.

Looking back, my most treasured memory of Middletown High School is meeting Lisa—the friend who would become my chosen family. Ours is truly a friendship for a lifetime.