The other night, as my husband and I were out to dinner, I was reminded of one of the most precious commodities we have for helping us walk forward in life—friends.
This revelation came not only because my husband is my best friend and I love being with him, but because of where we were seated. Very near to us was a table of lovely women in their late 70’s. They were all dressed up for their night out, ordering fancy drinks, and looked to be having a wonderful evening with their friends. I couldn’t help eavesdropping a bit as they talked about their life events and their families. They beamed as they told stories about their precious grandchildren, passing around pictures for all to see. Their delight in one another’s company warmed my heart. I couldn’t help but wonder how long they had known one another, what trials they had overcome together, how many birthdays and weddings and baby showers they had shared, and how they had first become friends.
When I got home, I kept thinking about my own friends and all that they have done for me over the years—all that we have been through, and all that we have shared. I thought of dark days when they lifted me up out of my heartache and brilliant days when we shared sno-cones and sunshine and delicious secrets. And I was so grateful to have them.
Good friends are so vital to life’s progression, our forward walk. They help shape us into who we are. They are there for life’s greatest sorrows, wiping away our tears and speaking the words of comfort that get us moving again. They are there in our moments of highest achievement, congratulating us and cheering us on. They stick by us through our trials, facing our darkest demons alongside us. They laugh with us and cry with us. They love us just the way we are, but simultaneously help us to always become better. They are those who teach us the lessons that stick with us our entire lives.
Friends come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Your greatest friend might be your mother, your father, a sibling, a cousin, your spouse, your next-door-neighbor, your kindergarten confidant, your high school buddy, your roommate, or your coworker. Whoever they are, they are the people who constantly and consistently challenge you to be your best self—and then do their best to help you reach that goal. These good friends are the greatest treasures that life has to offer.
I have such love and gratitude in my heart for all of my sweet friends. I am stronger, wiser, kinder, happier, more humble, more cheerful, more forgiving, more compassionate, more talented, more balanced, better at listening, and so much more, all because of the influence they have had in my life.
I look forward to all of the future years and the fun moments and milestones that we have yet to spend together. I can’t wait to be 70 years old, meeting up for dinner with my dear friends, ordering fancy drinks, sharing family photos, and reminiscing over all that we’ve been through together, all of the battles we’ve won, and all that we have yet to accomplish.
