Friends

Do you remember your favorite friend from college? (Let's just admit we had them and move on, okay? EVERYbody has a favorite. Its just how we're wired.) Do you remember your favorite from high school? From elementary school? Preschool?

My favorite friend in the second grade was Anne Distler; that's about the earliest favorite friend I can remember. We met in the second grade, became fast friends before the first snow fall and then I moved by the third grade and ACHED in my little 9-year-old heart for that friendship. For about a year. And then I had a new favorite friend, with whom I still keep in touch.

Last night I had the joy of spending time with two of my favorites from college. Its been twelve years since we first met; we're married, have jobs, kids and crows feet. (What's that cute phrase from the movie Steel Magnolias? "Time is marching on and sooner or later you realize its marchin' right across your face." Love that.) I relished the couple hours we got to spend together and ached on my drive home for the time I've missed. We live in different cities, have different lives and have naturally drifted apart. And yet we intentionally strive to reconnect when we can. And I love that. And appreciate it. Makes my insecure little self think that the distance and silence were just a natural part of life and not hurt or misunderstood feelings.

So this post is a salute to friendship. To those old and new. To those current and those that lie dormant. As I get older I have a greater appreciation for friendship and how priceless and precious they are; how few the good ones come into life...and stay. I am so thankful for the friends I saw last night. I hope they know how much I value their time and friendship.

Is there anyone you need to show your appreciation to? Anyone who's friendship means so much but you've never taken the time to tell them? Let's agree together to make sure our friends know what they mean to us. Let's not hope they know; let's make sure they do. I'm game; are you?