A good friend... Is honored when you call them at 3am because you "just needed someone to talk to."
(Passionately) protects and defends your name if they hear someone else talking negatively about you.
Comes to your house two days after you had a baby just to help clean up, make food, and hold the baby while you sleep.
Does your dishes just to help relieve some of your stress.
Writes encouraging words in your birthday cards (more than just the simple "happy birthday!").
Comes over in their PJs to curl up and watch TV with you (like when you were kids) even if they have a husband at home.
Brings dinner and a movie over when your family has had a rough weekend.
Let's you move into their house for a week when the power goes out and actually enjoys your company the whole time.
Calls you just to encourage you after they read your down and out facebook status message.
Drives across three state lines just to make it to your baby (or bridal) shower.
Wants you to stay at their house instead of a hotel when you are on a trip to their town.
Signs up to run a half marathon with you just so you don't have to do it alone.
Stays up late to talk to you online until you really are feeling better.
Walks with you through the hard times and celebrates the good times.
This:
"Oh, the comfort -- The inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, Having neither to weigh thoughts, Nor measure words -- but pouring them All right out -- just as they are -- Chaff and grain together -- Certain that a faithful hand will Take and sift them -- Keep what is worth keeping -- and with the breath of kindness Blow the rest away."
And this:
I have had the honor of having real friends in my life. Without these ladies I would have shed many more tears and felt heartache for much longer periods of time. I love them and have incredible gratitude for all the love they have shown me. I hope to both spend many years returning their love and continuing to make the effort to pay it forward for the rest of my life.
I wanted to also say thanks to all of you for your incredibly encouraging words this past week. (With Sunday's sleep habits, preparing and then experiencing the half marathon.) I am beginning to understand the power of blogging and the awesome blessings it brings to both writers and readers. It's hard sometimes to share so much, but at the end of the day, I am always glad I clicked the Publish button. Thanks for being here, for listening, for encouraging me and for not judging my terrible grammar skills and overuse of the comma. I hope to be able to do the same for you in the coming years. :)
Much love today, friends!