Once, a long time ago, I had a girlfriend who I did everything with. We either saw each other or talked to each other on the phone every day (at least once). We knew everything about each other, completed each others' sentences and thoughts. We had tons of fun- no matter what we did. Boyfriends came and went, but that girlfriend was a constant- for years.
That was then.
At this point in my life, 'girlfriend' takes on a whole new meaning. I love my relationships with my girlfriends now even though those relationships look very differently. Now, Jamey is my constant and while my girlfriends don't 'come and go', actual face time or phone time with them does. I love it how despite our busy lives, I have friends who I can see or talk to (weeks after the last time) and pick up right where we left off. There's no underlying, 'Why haven't they called?' or 'Is she upset with me?' because we are grown ups and we understand that the lack of daily (or even weekly) contact doesn't mean something is amiss. It just means we are living our busy lives, often putting family and homes first, saving those face and phone times for special occasions. At least that is how I see it.
I love it how {as far as I know} my friends are okay with my sporadic contact. Getting together daily or weekly runs me ragged. I need space to give to my kids, the chores, our garden, meal preparations. Play dates or evenings out for tea are days and evenings to look forward to and cherish.
The support and friendships of these women in my life are felt even when I haven't seen them in awhile. I know they are there if I need them and I hope they know the same about me. We might not be out shopping or eating ice cream late at night on our bellies while watching a movie together, but we are pillars of strength for each other- scattered across town and country. We are ready for each others' call or visit, look forward to reconnecting. We let our minds wander to those dear friends regularly, so thankful for their presence in our lives.
While the term girlfriend has taken on new meaning, it still holds all the joy and love it once did. We've just grown up a bit, made room for other things in each others lives and we are okay with that.
Very okay.
Pin It
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I'm SO fortunate to count you as one of my girlfriends!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post today. I too love how my friendships can pick up wherever they left off. I am grateful for the internet that keeps us in touch with one another. Sometimes I miss the days of the handwritten letter though.
ReplyDeleteI, too, love how over the years my friendships have matured and changed. I have a couple girlfriends that I only see once every summer and each time we get together it is like we haven't been apart for a whole year.
ReplyDeleteYes they sure take on a new meaning after we mature a while, God bless you, and your friends
ReplyDeleteThat is so very true. I have to have friends who are low maintenance. Not always wondering why I haven't called. We are all busy. But I too have many women in my life that I KNOW are there for me no matter what. That is such a blessing!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely. And pretty much perfectly describes me and a few special women in my life. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCan't remember just how I happened upon your blog, but wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your posts! So very inspiring :) And I have a bit of garden envy--some day our family hopes to be able to do the same.
ReplyDeleteI think the best kinds of friends are the ones you can call at 1am because you snuck out of your house to buy a pint of Ben & Jerry's Banana Split ice cream while your husband and kids were sleeping and you suddenly realized that you locked your keys in the car and you don't want to call home :)
ReplyDeleteI also consider myself one of your friends that because of our history and friendship in the past we will always be there for one another. I know you were such a source of strength for me when I needed you. I often think about that!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your friendship, though we don't see each other, I consider you my friend!
Liz