When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, and then I started to become a woman and I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, you will see the best in many friends.
One friend is needed when you're going through things with your significant other. Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom. Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be. One friend will say let's pray together, another let's cry together, another let's fight together, another let's walk away together. One friend will meet your spiritual need, another your shoe fetish, another your love for a good laugh, another will be with you in your season of confusion, another will be your clarifier, another your support system, another your mentor.
But whatever their assignment in your life on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day, or wherever you need them, whether to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ... Those are your best friends.
It may all be wrapped up in one person, but for many it's wrapped up in several. One from 7th grade, one from high school, several from the college years, a couple from old jobs, on some days your mother or father, on others your sisters and brothers, and on some days your daughters and sons.
So whether they've been there 20 minutes or 20 years, appreciate them. Let them know you love them and never take them for granted.
I am very rich in the way that I have wonderful people surrounding me. Thank you ... you know who you are. The world wouldn't be the same without you, and neither would I. When I began this adventure called life, I had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead of me, nor did I know how much I would need each and everyone of you. Every day, I need you still.
"Time passes, life happens, distance separates, children grow up, love waxes and wanes, hearts break, careers end, jobs come and go. BUT ... friends are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A friend is never farther away than needing them can reach. Your friends will be cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you, or come in and carry you out."
