I write a lot about my family (Michael, Momma and my sisters are my best friends) but very little about my friends. Unlike most women I do not have any childhood friends that I have kept throughout the years…my days spent taking care of children that had special needs (Sean, Cade and Connor were born with renal birth defects…in the twins’ case it was severe, and Quinn, born with Down syndrome) requiring surgeries, many doctor visits, tests, and therapies, plus two marriages all take their toll on any extra time that is needed to nurture friendships. Linda, Eileen, Lori Anne, Carmen, Kristin…I miss them, I wonder what they are doing now, I pray for them.

My friend, Jean, is smart (mouthed too) and funny. I met her just as my first marriage was failing and we immediately clicked, cementing a strong friendship that has survived almost twenty years. We try to see each other at least twice a year and we’re hoping to get together within the next week or two for a visit.

Joining our local homeschooling co-op was actually one of the best things that I did for my boys…and for me. With the co-op came like-minded women, whose days were full of children, learning and chores. These ladies are all near and dear in my heart. They are a wonderful support group and I know that if I or the boys needed anything that any one of them would be there to help.

Living so far away from Michael’s family, we’ve only gotten a chance to see each other a couple of times. Recently, I got the chance to get to know (and love) my sister-in-law, Pam, during her visit to our home a couple of months ago. We found that we really had a lot in common (besides loving Michael *smile*) and I can’t wait to visit with her and her husband (and finally meet the kids and grandkids) next month when we take a little visit up to Ohio during Michael’s winter semester break.

Though Michael calls my online friends “not real,” they are very real to me. When I didn’t have the time nor energy to keep up friendships, when I needed to just know that I wasn’t the only woman tackling life’s harder curves…they were there, offering similar stories and prayers. I’ve known Jeanne since the twins were just babies. She always has a kind and encouraging word for me and I just love her to death. Elvira, Shelley, all the ladies from my Catholic homeschooling loop, the women that I learned Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop and Poser with, my new friend Kim…all hold a very special place in my heart and I am blessed for their having touched my life.

Ullabenulla and Artsy Mama document their day antiquing together with lots of lovely photos and journaling…and sparked my little posting on friendship. *smile*

I guess there is something about the Holiday Season that coaxes you to reflect on where you’ve been, where you are and where you are going…

~~~ . ~~~

You Are My Friend

Author: Unknown

standing by
all the way
here to help you through your day
holding you up
when you are weak
helping you find
what you seek
catching your tears
when you cry
pulling you through
when the tide is high
just being there
through thick and thin
all just to say
YOU ARE MY FRIEND!!