Friends Forever

My first friends were my cousins. As you might recall, my mother came from a very extensive family. Not only were there many members in the family, they were very close knit. All the aunts and uncles looked out for each other and each other’s children. My favorite cousins were my two best friends. We used to spend as much time together as possible. We would stay for days at each other’s homes. One of my cousins was my pen pal. We would write each other constantly. Summer and holidays were always a blast spent with these cousins. We were always laughing and could talk about nothing for hours. These two cousins knew everything about me. We stayed very close up until we got married and started our families. When we see each other now in our sixties, we just pick up where we left off. It's funny how time can change what cousins become your best friends and influencers. I had a cousin who was an Executive Secretary, she was beautiful and I actually emulated her in my career because of how she influenced my life. I remember her putting makeup on me for the first time. She was an encourager. Later in my life, another cousin and I have become very close due to loss of family members and health events. We found out we had a lot in common. She helped me through a very sad time, when my ex husband was ill. She stayed at my house and watched my twin boys for me. She knew I was tired when I would come home at night. She made everything easy for me during that time. One night as I lay there just full of crying emotion without really being able to voice my frustration, she laid by my side on my bed and held my hand until I fell asleep in my sadness. We are prayer warriors for each other. We lift each other up. I love her dearly.

My best friend relationships at school started in third grade. From that point on in every grade level, I always had a best friend. Even my first year in college I had a wonderful best friend. My first best friend and I used to spend as much time as we could with each other. We grew apart, but I will always remember her as my first best friend from school. During 8th grade, I found out that my dear friend had passed away as the result of a car accident. I can instantly think of her and remember her blonde hair parted in the middle and bright blue eyes, she was a lovely little girl. The best friend I had in college loved music as much as I did and we would spend hours singing and playing instruments. All these best friends knew me very well. And all my best friends could make me laugh until my sides hurt.

When I became an adult, I met my best bestie when I started working at a school district. She was the first one who invited me to eat with her in the break room and the rest was history. She was a friend who loved me unconditionally. And I loved her the same. She knew absolutely everything about me. I could go to her house and crash on her couch or chairs anytime I wanted. She would get me through many turbulent times in my life. We went to church together and prayed for each other. We shared motherhood together. I ended up retiring and our families moved away from each other. So now, we keep touch through Facebook and an occasional phone call or text. We had a common event we both attended on September 8, 1972 — an Osmond concert and I remind her every year. We’ve known each other since 1991.

I have had many, many friends. Friends who have made huge impacts on my life. Friends who have come into my life right at the right time. I’ve had friends who came into my life, who exited just as fast. I had friends who invested a lot of time getting to know me. I had friends I could lean on in times of trouble. I've had many church friends. I had praying friends. I've had friends hold up my arms when I was too tired and weak. All of them served a purpose. I have been a friend and best friend to many as well.

Sure, I have had friends, who turned out not to be friends and disappointed. I’ve had friends who influenced me on the wrong path.

I’ve had lonely times too! Where I thought I didn't have a friend left.

I’ve always loved having best friends and many friends.  I can’t talk about this subject without bringing up my constant best friend, who has never failed or disappointed me. He knows me inside and out. He knew me before I was born. He loves me so much, he died for me. I can talk to him 24/7. He knows my every emotion and brings me comfort always. He is the one who has caught all my tears He has also shared in my happiness. He provides everything I need at any given moment. What a friend I have in Jesus. In His arms He'll take and shield thee. Thou wilt find a solace there. Jesus knows our every weakness. Jesus is my Forever Friend.

"For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls For he has no one to help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NKJV)