The Meaning of a Friend

"A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow." -William Shakespeare

I have become more and more aware lately that one of the most important foundations in my life is also one of the hardest to come by. In sharing stories, travels, pictures, and memories over many years and many miles, it has become clear to me that my group of friends are indeed special and rare. They are genuine, they are loyal, and they are simply the best. Now, as my "mid-twenties" disappear into "late twenties" I become more aware of how wonderful it is to surround myself with my friends. I miss the days of endless pajamas and chit chatting, I miss the dressing up to spend the night dancing and laughing, I miss seeing friends in the hallways or in class, and I miss making new memories as often as we once were able to. These days, the memories that are made are further between, but more special and much appreciated. They involve life events, big changes, happy celebrations, and the same laughter that brought us together in the first place.

Though the high school and college days are over, and the chances of seeing these friends daily or even weekly is far away as well, the strength between us continues to grow. The love and appreciation becomes more apparent over the miles, and the days that we do spend together are extremely enjoyable. My friends happen to be spread out across the country- in states like New York, Ohio, California, Texas, Massachusetts, and our nation's capital. This makes for some fun vacations, amazing weekend getaways, and plenty of sightseeing and catching up. As we enter our adult years and continue our way through the early stages of the real world, it is that maturing mind that grasps at the seams of friendship and brings us closer and tighter. When I was an adolescent, I saw my friends and liked them; we shared secrets, talked of our crushes, and planned our own future lives. But years later, as I see each of my friends blossom into their own individual selves and spread their own unique wings, I am more aware of the personalities, the characteristics, the special talents and displays of good character, and the absolutely, undeniably, amazing friends that each and every one of them has become.

That word, friend, is rather fragile. I believe it's used too often and too easily. It takes building trust, being loyal, giving encouragement and support, as well as loving unconditionally to have a real friend. Luckily, my friends all passed this prerequisite and continue to go far beyond what is expected. They simply amaze me. My friends have also been able to decipher my own personality and weaknesses as well as strengths. They accept me for who I am, for what I can offer to a friendship, and will even kindly suggest ways to always improve those skills and abilities, as well as steer me in the right direction when I'm veering off the road. They understand my past, my present, and can visualize my future the same way I do. They know my personality and have been able to overcome the dirty looks and attitude I once was infamous for. When I get knocked down, it is a friend who will help me get back up. We've been through the growing pains, through the thick and thin, and always remain positive and come out even stronger on the other side. I know I have grown up a lot throughout college and even more so after finishing grad school. With this growth of self has come a growth in friendship, relationships, and love. When I see a friend, we pick up right where we left off, no matter how long it's been or how far away we were. That's the beauty of friends.

My friends bring out the best in me, they make me want to be better people, and they amaze me in new ways all the time. I am indeed a very blessed and lucky girl, and I am where I am today because of my mother, my sister, and of course, because of my friends.