Today’s topic: Friendship
This thought came about on my recent adventure as I had time
to drive and think. I am grateful for many things in my life, but I am truly
blessed to have so many wonderful friends. I was not always the best at making
friends, but I gravitate toward people who share something with me. From
kindergarten to middle school to high school, each chapter in my life sees the
introduction of more friends. My oldest friend (Corrina Adams) means as much to
me as the new group of friends I cultivated at Blue Cross.
Friends make us laugh, build us up when we are feeling low,
hug us when we cry, and believe that we are never limited to what we are today.
They give us the strength to dream the big dreams. We might conspire together
or commiserate on a bad experience. No matter how lousy a day you have, one of
your friends can make everything seem less awful.
A friend can be a family member, a co-worker, a
boyfriend/girlfriend, or a casual acquaintance. They can be someone you’ve
known all your life or someone you’ve just met. The most important part is that
they are your friend. I like to think that every person I consider to be a
friend knows exactly how much they mean to me. I hope in return that I mean as
much to them.
I think of so many times that I was shy growing up and
missed the opportunity to get to know people who may be incredible. I have
taken that lesson to heart, and now relish the thought of meeting new people. I
have grown into a more social being. No longer am I the woman walking into a
room afraid of what other people may think about me. I am now the woman walking
into the room knowing that I don’t have to compare myself to anyone else and
what matters most is how I see myself.
My future lies before me even if I don’t know what it may
bring. What do I know? I know that the incredible group of ladies and gentlemen
that I am honored to call my friends will support me every step of that
journey. To those new friends – thank you for allowing me the opportunity to
get to know you. To my old friends – thank you for still putting up with me
after all these years. To my Jess – thank you for being both a terrific
daughter and a great friend. To my favorite adventure companion – you make me
laugh harder than anyone else ever has, and have the uncanny ability to make me
smile even if life is giving me nothing but lemons. Finally, to my friends that have passed on –
you are up in heaven smiling down on me, and I miss you more than I could ever
say.
I say to all of you – bring on tomorrow. I know I will be
happy to be the cheerleader, the confidant, the love, the supporter and the
educator that any of you may need. Thank you for being my friends.
Until we meet again,
Angie
