The Power of Friendship

I am incredibly thankful for the many great and inspiring women that have filled my life for as long as I remember. Most are not famous (yet), and they may not be what most of the world would consider news worthy. Some of these women are older than me, some are much younger, some are richer, skinnier, more stylish, and much more talented. Some are homemakers, some are businesswomen, some are students, some are retired, and all are just trying to be their best at being their best self. These women are not my mom, sisters, cousins, or aunts - as a matter of fact, these women don't really have to be in my life at all. I think that's what makes them so incredibly special - they choose to be a part of my life. For that choice, I am truly blessed. These women are my girlfriends.

My entire life I have been blessed with the most true examples of real friendship. Some women complain of friends that back-stab or gossip or try to "one up" the next. And of course, I am not exempt from hurtful petty things, but I have to say that every phase of my life has been truly guided by the most inspiring women that rise above the pettiness of life to serve, give, and love beyond what is expected. My friends have supported me to reach my dreams, lifted in times of trial, laughed in times of joy, cried in times of great sadness, and applauded in times of triumph. There have been many times when I just needed a listening ear and these women have listened until wee hours of the morning (I'm a talker). These are the women that when you say, "I'm going for a girls' night and I'll be home later." The husband knows later means waaayyyy later. These women do not judge, they do not gossip, they do not have to out-do each other. These are they who get inspired to send a text, give a hug, or make a coke run when they know something just doesn't feel "right."


In every phase of my life I have had girlfriends who have been placed in my life not because of chance, but because Heavenly Father knows I needed them for survival. In high school my friends knew very little about the tumultuous circumstances in my home, but their friendship are the reason I survived those years. They were there to offer a ride, stick with me through emotional hormones, and not pry when I wasn't able to talk about struggles, but listened when I was. In college, my roommates were exactly what I needed as I navigated a world with very little family support. They supported me through a first kiss, my parents divorce, financial worries, and my engagement. My young married years were filled with the best examples of mothers, and of playdates, simple visits, and park lunch. They are friends that supported my me when Clark was sick, when Kelsie hit puberty, and when I made the difficult choice to go back to work. I have the most wonderful friends that I have learned from in my career. I've shared classrooms with these women, sat in long faculty meetings, and taught, coached, and advised so many kids - from teenaged giggly girls to those that struggle most. When I went back to graduate school I met women that will be my friends forever. We have endured statistics, advisors, and research together. We even did spring break (pretty sure I'm too old to spring break). The most comforting thing is knowing that there may be gaps in time that life prevent us from getting together, but when we get the chance to catch up it's like life has stood still and we pick-up where we left off. These are true friends that will be friends for a lifetime.

In the last five years I have literally been in the presence of angels on earth right in my own neighborhood. For example, just this week my dear friend, Nicole, fell ill. I sent a text to those who I felt might be able to help with her little boy, and within minutes there was a response of those who wanted to help her family, help with dinners, help with children, etc. There was not one on that list, or in my neighborhood, that wouldn't have dropped what they were doing to help. No one was trying to out-do another, offended if another volunteered first or didn't volunteer at all, or didn't have the same to offer as another. Each friend just wanted to help another friend who was in need. It really hit me that "These women would do the same for anyone in this neighborhood. They are just amazing women." These are the women that I get to work through life with - I am truly blessed.

I am blessed because I have always been surrounded with friends like this - Seriously, I am so lucky. I know that there are amazing women everywhere. I know that I will have the opportunity to meet and become friends with other women that will teach and inspire me. The great thing about the heart is that it has room for anyone that wants to get in and find a place.

                     

So, I guess the reality of friendship is that a girlfriend is someone who has chosen to be a sister. It doesn't matter age, religion, wealth, size, or shape - true sisterhood is a bond so strong that it weathers a storm and is eternal in nature. I love my sisters; sisters who have chosen me and am so thankful for each of each of them.

Side note: These photos are not inclusive of the friendships in my world. As a matter of fact, they are  only a fraction of the inspiring women in my life. They are only the photos I could find on my phone from the last year or so. Most of the pics of friends are lost in cyberspace, on an old iPhone, in a film negative, but mostly in my heart!