honesty...

I feel like I might be an exception to the norm when I can say that I still not only talk to girls I've known since elementary school, but I actually have a meaningful relationship with them. This past Tuesday night, I was able to meet up with these 2 girls who I have so many shared memories with when one of them was up visiting her family from Florida. My other friend is very dear to me and was actually one of my bridesmaids in our wedding last year and we try to get together at least once a month. While the three of us don't all get together very often (distance being the most obvious obstacle), when we do it never amazes me how quickly we can just jump right back into conversation like we'd never missed a beat. From talking about our lives now, to reminiscing about all our years through elementary and high school and everything in between, it's so easy to remember why these women are such a special part of my life.

The passage of time is so noticeable, though, as our conversations inevitably evolve from the happy silly memories of childhood to life's milestones - good and bad - that unavoidably approach as we get older. Meeting that special someone, getting married, having children, changing jobs, buying homes, losing family members, witnessing the effects of age on our parents - they are all those events in life that help to shape us into the individuals we are.

One thing struck me, however, as this dinner date with friends approached and I had the courage to bring it up as we were getting ready to leave. It takes a true, loving friend to not only stand by you during your rougher times in life, but to be honest and up front when you least want to hear it. At a point in my life when I was in college and living on my own and indulging in the less-attractive aspects of college life including extended drinking binges and the stupid decisions that come with them, my friend had enough concern to pretty much tell me in no uncertain terms that I was being a "jerk" and that I needed to rethink what I was doing. Of course at the time, it wasn't something I could see for myself and didn't take to heart but five or six years later, I realize that I was being pretty foolish. And her words had stuck with me all this time and I was able to realize now that she was right. I had an overwhelming feeling that I needed to thank her for that and I surprised even myself when I could feel myself getting emotional as the words came out of my mouth. That kind of friendship and honesty doesn't come around very often and I feel so honored to have friends that care that much. It really is a blessing, and I hope we can continue to nurture our friendship as the years go on.