Friends

Lately I've been finding and catching up with some friends from the past on Facebook and MySpace. It's kind of cool and weird at the same time. Weird to see how people have changed (and how they haven't!), but cool to see that despite the years (7 since high school graduation, more for a few others), these people are still so happy to "see" me and find out about my life.

I've struggled the last few years with being a friend to others and yet feeling like my friendships are a one-way street. I don't expect anything in return, but I hate that sometimes I am the only one who calls, or makes plans, or sends an e-mail or message. I don't really feel used, just sometimes neglected, like I don't matter as much to that person. I don't want to be part of the "cool kids' club," I just want someone to say "hey, I have time for you, let's hang out today."

There are a few people though, that have stuck by me. I consider my husband to be my best friend... then again I think it should be that way in all successful marriages. But when it comes to my girlfriends, I can count 2 that I would consider my best girl friends. Neither of them live close by, but I take comfort in knowing that they are just a phone call away and they love me and support me no matter what. One is my flesh-and-blood sister, and in the past few years, I've come to really, truly understand the bonds of sisterhood and the lifelong friendship we have been blessed with. The other is my friend Crystal. We started out as friends and despite having never met each other in person, we have become like sisters.

I realize now that I have been blessed. Blessed with a few very strong friendships as well as many friends and close acquaintances. Even if I can't have a girl's night out or go meet up at Starbucks, I can always find at least one friend to talk to when I need to.

Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other, gold.