I am grateful for friendships that have stood the test of time. It has been a few weeks since my return from Canada, where I spent just over a week with my dearest friend from college.
There are lots of conversations, memories and experiences that I will treasure from that trip, but the trip down memory lane that she (unintentionally) traversed with me remains one of my favorites.
Stephanie and I were sitting downstairs in her family room, taking a quiet moment for ourselves while she nursed her baby girl, each of us lost in our respective thoughts, music playing softly in the background.
All of the sudden, Wynonna Judd’s “She is His Only Need” came on.
I looked at Stephanie in surprise. It has been years since I heard the song; I used to love it- and played it endlessly (which she was quick to remind me).
“It used to be one of your favorite songs,” she said, smiling. She had added it, and several other favorites from our college years, to a playlist that was now playing softly around us.
Though Stephanie didn’t know it, that little moment in time almost made me cry and I worked hard to contain my emotions. It might seem to be a little thing, but life is made up of many little things- many of which are happy memories.
Stephanie cared enough to put together a playlist to remind me what my life was like over twenty years ago, and those memories cam tumbling back, along with many other moments and memories that made up our friendship between then and now. Her effort was an incredible gift.
She has always been the friend to send a card, flowers or make those daily “check-in” phone calls when I was facing challenges that were weighing on my spirits. Stephanie was (and still is) the friend to acknowledge and celebrate all my successes along the way, all while reminding me of the obstacles I’ve overcome.
Stephanie loves me even when I don’t love myself… especially when I don’t love myself. As long as we have been friends, she has always been my staunchest ally, confidante and cheering squad. When I have friends like Stephanie in my corner, I know I am always loved (despite how flawed I am), and I am reminded to be grateful. And I am. I am grateful.
Who do you love and who loves you? Share this post, and tag your friend. They are the best parts of us.
