As as we near Thanksgiving – I thought I would share what I’m most Thankful for.

In a day and age when friendship – true friendship seems to be a lost art – I am most thankful for those special relationships I have in my life – those that I have the privilege to call “friend”.

What is a friend?

A friend is someone who loves you for you – unconditionally.  Their love has no conditions – it just is.  Is it not always based in what you have in common It is a connection at a deep level – kindred spirits and like minds – who are together – even when apart.  They share  things with you.  You share things with them. You can trust their council and advice – because you know they love you. A true friend would never think of betraying trust or a confidence – anymore than you would do that to them.  If someone does that to you – they are not a true friend.

I have many true friends  in my life – I am blessed.  My guy friends bring stability and humor – and my women friends bring intimacy and closeness – sharing special secrets and love.  They can finish my sentences – and share in a good laugh at a moments notice.  They instinctively know when I’m having a bad day and will do things to lift my spirits. The kindness and generosity of all my special friends seems to know no boundaries – and they all speak love, humor and hope into my life – daily encouraging me with my talents, interests and writings.  I am grateful for all their input and love.  Most of the time on a daily basis.

A true friend only wants the best for your life and will encourage you to be the best you can be.  There will be no jealousy – when something great happens they congratulate you and share in your joy – and want so much for you to be happy.  When something sad happens – they are the first people you reach for – and they never let you down.  A true friend will never intentionally make you feel bad – or cut you down to size.  They always believe in you – always want to be there for you – always love you no matter what.

My husband is my best friend.  He has never made me feel bad about myself.  He never leaves me to wonder if he will accept me just the way I am.  I don’t have to do anything special to get his attention.  He loves me just the way I am – and always encourages my interests and friendships – because he knows that these things enrich my life and make me better.  He challenges me to keep improving myself – and loves it when I encourage and befriend someone who can really use my love and support.  He has seen me take in many people over the years – young and old and make them a part of our world.  We’ve had children and young people in our home for years – and everyone of them call me “Mom” – this is a special honor and I do not take it lightly.  Each one of them is a special friend – all those that I’ve invested in – and that have shared their lives with me.  Greg has been so supportive with our own children over the years – and with our many “adopted” kids as well.  I’ve never heard a cross word from him.  He treats me like a Queen wherever I am – and always has.  He is a true friend – and he’s never let me down.

Is there a time when friends cease being friends?  Sometimes.  But not if they were really friends to begin with.  I’ve heard people say that they never forget their friends – and friends for life  - but the true test of a friendship is when hard times come – or a major disagreement – a shaking up of a close friendship – and if there was not a firm enough foundation – the friendship will dissolve – leaving you to wonder – what happened?  They simply will not be there for you.  This is not the case with a true friend.  They will never “shut you out” of their world – never give you the “cold shoulder” – never intentionally hurt you.  They will never be shaken by events or the passage of time – you can pick up with them no matter how much time has gone by – or how your paths have drifted away from one another.  It is safe.  It is trusted and it is comfortable.  Like coming home again.  There is no replacement for a trusted friend.  It is God’s richest blessing to us – showing us that even though we are imperfect in ourselves – our friends are there to help make our lives a better and happier place to live.

I found this wonderful poem on friendship – it is dedicated to all those that are in my life currently as my “friend” – and even to those that have drifted away from me.  I am thinking of all of you tonight.

God Bless

True Friendship

True friendship isn’t seen with the eyes, it is felt with the heart.
When there is trust, understanding, loyalty, and sharing.
True friendship is a rare feeling, but when it is found
It has profound impact on our well-being, strength, and character.
True friendship does not need elaborate gifts
Or spectacular events in order to be valuable or valued.
To ensure long-lasting quality and satisfaction,
True friendship only needs a few key ingredients:
Undying loyalty, unmatched understanding, unsurpassed trust,
Deep and soulful secrets, and endless sharing.
These ingredients, mixed with personality and a sense of humor,
Can make a friendship last a lifetime!
This is just a thank you, my friend, for all the wonderful and colorful
Special ingredients You’ve brought to my life!
Pass this on to such a friend!

- Author Unknown