Gifts in Friends

I think about the paths I have chosen. I think about the people I have left behind in my childhood religion. I haven’t spoken to most who were the best of friends for years. And running into a few of them last month, most don’t even recognize me any more.  It’s only been a couple years. Not that I have changed much, but maybe that I have only recently come to show my true self. It always surprises me how easy people forget faces. I think it’s because even though you may spend a substantial amount of time with them, they don’t ever really look you in the eye and see who you truly are.

 

Friends come and go. Even the best of friends may not stick around. But even those short term friends may know you better than those long term friends. They’ve seen you in your most raw form and have supported you through some of your most trying times. Then there are those you have lost touch with, and have randomly bumped into some 10 years later, and it’s like a day hasn’t gone by.

 

The last week has been a trying one, full of emotion, fear, and worry. It’s not often I feel this way, but I think it’s the first time Jay has seen me feeling so helpless. I only let a few people on to what was going on, but it was amazing to feel so loved and supported. I’ve haven’t felt that much from “friends” before. I received calls and check ins on how I was doing, if I was ok. It was real, genuine. Something I have not experienced much of before.

 

I just wanted to dedicate this post to all my true friends who have supported me through the harder times. I appreciate you, and will never forget your kindness and compassion.