Friends

I admit it.  I. am. weird.  I don't like doing things just because everyone else is doing it.  If my best friend jumped off a cliff, I probably would not.  Since none of my friends have jumped off a cliff, it is on my to-do list.  I don't understand the need that so many people have to "fit in."  Of course I like having friends, but I would rather have one friend that truly "gets" me, than have a ton of friends that I have to work so hard to impress.  I think a friend is someone who you aren't afraid to be yourself around.  Someone who you can call at 3am to sit with your kids while you go to the hospital, and when you get home, you find that she's folded all of your laundry.  A friend is someone who doesn't see the dust on your mantle, or the crumbs on the floor.   She doesn't care if you show up to her house without make-up, or in your sweat pants.  A friend is someone who will stand by you through all of your ups and downs.  She knows you're not perfect, and loves you more for it.  A friend is real.  Authentic.  She won't ever stop being your friend just because you don't agree on religion, politics, or who should win American Idol.  A friend is someone who you can go months without talking to, and still know that you are friends.  There's no drama, no strategic planning involved.  A friend is someone who inspires you to be your best.  She doesn't try to knock you down so she'll feel better.  There is no room for jealousy in friendship.

I have been really blessed in my life to have friends.  Because you are my friends, you know who you are.  Thank you for making me a better person, and loving me when I wasn't a very good person.