Old Friends

"My Old Friend," . . . I am amazed at the way that these simple words can conjure the most heart-warming feelings in times of plenty and how they can transform into the most heart-wrenching words in times of need.  My husband's grandmother treasures a handful of precious friendships from childhood which have stubbornly withstood weddings, children, joys, travels, suffering, sicknesses, and funerals.  At least 7 decades worth of memories reside inside of her kind heart and, while not always realized, I believe these memories sustain her in the lonely days that come knocking at her door from time to time.  While she may not acknowledge the following accolades, I insist that she is strong, loving, intelligent, wise, and resilient. She is a constant reminder to me that friendships really can span lifetimes. Above all else, Blake's grandmother is a good friend.

At 25, I count myself blessed to claim a handful of "Old Friends" who have walked with me through the joys and pains of childhood - Marsha and Crystal, and others who have waded with me through the rapid waters of college and into the unpredictable oceans of adulthood - Lindsay and Anna. In recent years, friends like Danielle, Jaime, Natalie, Sam, Beth, and Holly have kept me sane, reminded me how to laugh and taught me how to be a better friend. Friends, may our friendships continue to grow and remain strong even as distances and circumstances separate us at times. One day I hope to call you all "My Old Friends" and recount to my children and their children how friendships can survive the worst pain and intensify our greatest joys in in life. To all my old and new friends, Happy New Year's Eve!