Friendship

 

  I remember someone telling me in all seriousness that most friendships only last five to ten years in total. She was trying to help me feel better as I mourned the loss of certain friendships. She was trying to tell me what I was going through was normal. So that is great. Most friendships dont last your whole life. Can I just say I am never one who has wanted to be normal and just do what people say should be done. I want to do what feels vital to my soul. For me that means maintaining friendships for as long as possible. It means that friendships matter deeply to me. 

  This picture represents a life long friend. We met one fateful day in church. I was shy, she was shy but her mother is far from shy. In that moment her mother decided we should be friends. Little did my eight year old self know how her choice would change my entire life. Through the years her home and her family represented many good things to me. I was always the observer to so many dynamics going on in their home. I learned much. Through the years her parents have impacted my family of origin and also the family I have now so deeply and in so many kind wonderful ways. 

  This dear friend and I have now had babies three times in the same years and often just weeks apart. We have made a point to see each other every year no matter the circumstances. We have not lived in the same town since we were thirteen but we have kept our friendship alive through endless letters, phone calls, and through the ups and downs relationships are bound to encounter! We have weathered deep searing loss together, we have supported each other in many various ways. She has been a shining beacon to me. When I look at this pictures I see such joy. These children are so close to each other. They love each other dearly and it all started because she and I are friends.

What a gift friendship is.