mamadelvec-shares

The word friendship means a relationship of mutual affection between people. Friends, unlike family, are not chosen for us, but rather by us. Like snowflakes, friendships are unique. There is the friendship you first had with your parents. Our parents or parent was basically our first friend. Perhaps, some of us are lucky and had siblings; very likely our second form of friendship. Usually, these relationships are built on trust, an absolute must-have in any kind of friendship.

As life continues, we broaden our circle of friends by becoming social with our neighbors, school friends, work/college mates, people we meet through others, and so on, as our company expands. Some friendships turn into love stories, and for that I am blessed. But how do some of these friendships last a lifetime, while others seem to fade out; even totally extinguish?

As for me, I have lifetime friends; literally, my siblings have been there from the minute my first breathe was taken. I am also fortunate to have a few childhood friends that have stood the test of time. Of course, there are those rare individuals who I met during adolescence that have never wavered. These few individuals probably know me better than I know myself. Then there are those friends that even though I don’t see/talk with on a regular basis, when I see them it is business as usual…like time nor space matters. We pickup as though we just saw each other yesterday–now that is an exceptional kind of friendship! I also can count my “in-law” siblings as comrades, and I am fortunate to have them by my side. I feel honored to count my grown children in as my two closest friends. After my husband, my son and daughter are truly my forever friends; these two, extraordinary individuals exemplify what friendship means to me.

After moving away from the place I was raised, the privilege of becoming friends with people from different parts of this beautiful country, presented itself and I jumped at the opportunity! I am grateful to these souls for bringing me into their little corner of the world. In a very short time we have become havens for one another. We share good times, as well as crises. Although we haven’t had a lifetime to be friends, we share a friendship of a lifetime.

So, then, why do some of our friendships dwindle out? Is it lack of trying? Do we just stop caring? I truly do not know. Perhaps it is the circle of life. It may be that this particular person was only suppose to ride your friendship train for a few, special moments of your lifetime, but make a significant impact. Possibly, it was a friendship of circumstance. Whatever the reason a friendship exists, embrace it, defend it, learn from it, nurture it; and by all means do your best to be supportive and trustworthy! Whether long or short in duration, friendship is a key part to our emotional well being…be the friend you want to have!

So thankful for my friends,

mamadelvec