To the People in My Circle

It was one of those forwarded emails which made me pause the delete button:

"When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, and then I started to become a woman. And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show the best in many friends. One friend's best is needed when you're going through things with your children. Another friend's best 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 movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion, another will be your clarifier, another your love for movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion, another will be your clarifier, another the wind beneath your wings. but whatever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day, or where ever you need them 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 friends. It may all be wrapped 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, several from church, on some days your mother, on others your sisters, and on some days it's the one that you needed just for that day or week when you needed someone with a fresh perspective, or the one who didn't know all your baggage, or the one who would just listen without judging.. those are good girlfriends / best friends. "

I thank my friends, few and farflung though they may be. These are the people who value trust, who honor intimacy and who are willing to listen to my (oftentimes) longwinded introductions. These are the friends who aren't afraid to talk of fear and of loss. These are people who revel in the surprises life has to offer. They take the leap of faith and lead by example. Thank you for the support.. the long dinners... the cups of coffee... the unexpected and very much welcome emails... the shared experiences. Guys and gals, thank you for keeping me sane in this insane world. =)