Friendship Friday

"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."
~Shakespeare 

Today is National Friendship Day. ❤

I was texting recently with my cousin about how loss and grief make you less likely to take things for granted.  And for me, there is no place where that holds truer than in my friendships.  The heartbreaking losses I have endured in this area deepen my gratitude and joy for the friends who have been faithful through the years... uplifting, trustworthy, fun, kind, and loyal!  Friendship is sacred to me, something I treasure and value, a place where I find great support, joy, strength, and encouragement!  I care deeply about my friends and their victories and sorrows... I love listening to their stories, and I love having people that I trust enough to share my heart and be myself with.  I'm thankful for all the good memories and fun times, for the difficult conversations and growth, and for the life changes we've all experienced together through the years!  I thank God for all the great conversations and the good meals we have shared, and for the way people have included me in their growing families and allowed me to be an honorary "Aunt Lindsey" with their kids!!  It all matters deeply to me.  Close friendships are said to double your joys and divide your sorrows... and I believe that.  We need each other more than we realize sometimes.  I am incredibly thankful for my close circle and the way they have cared for me and grown with me over the years... and I love having the opportunity to be there for my friends in return!

I won't dwell on it today, but I am also grateful for the personal growth, the valued memories, and the lessons I've learned through the friendships that eventually fell apart.  "Growing apart doesn't change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I'm glad for that."  ~Ally Condie

Dear friends, I so love and appreciate you.  Thanks for standing by me, showing up in good times and in hard seasons, and allowing me to grow and change.  I look forward to many years of continued friendship, laughter, joy, tears, and surprises with you!  

"Thank you for being a friend!  Traveled down the road and back again.  Your heart is true. You're a pal and a confidant!"  #goldengirls  That last part was for JEM and Chet Lee. ;-) Happy Friday, all, and have a lovely weekend ahead!