I've been pondering this blog for the past week. I've been unsure of what to say, or how to say it. I've even sat down a few times and began the first few sentances, but have grown unsure of myself and what i was writing, so i hit the big red X, and pushed it aside for yet another time.
Here I am, still unsure of what i'm going to say, or how it's going to be worded, but i think it's time i just let the words come to me, follow what my heart is speaking, and really just type from within. The ever longing question that has been bothering me is, "what is friendship?". It's always been easier for me to express my thoughts in writing, hence the reason i always write long novels to my friends in their birthday cards, or why i can't just ask one simple question, but i chose to say as much as possible to get one simple answer. I just feel comfortable writing, and able to express so much more in my words, even though half the time it dosen't make sense to say as much as i say.
Lately, i've thought alot about my friends. I have been truly blessed with the best friends in the entire world. Besides a few quotes, and internet defintions, i'm going to explain my definition of friendship through the following testimonials to/about my friends.
"True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation."- George Washington
"A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself."
"Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life."
"The love of my life is the love between friends."
Friendship is a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more beings. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, and effection and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. Their tastes will usually be similar and may converge, and they will share enjoyable activities. They will also engage in mutually helping behavior such as exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflective behaviors. Yet for many, friendship is nothing more than the trust that someone or something will not harm them.
Value that is found in friendships is often the result of a friend demonstrating the following on a consistent basis:
the tendency to desire what is best for the other, sympathy, and empathy, honesty, and mutual understanding. -wikipedia
the tendency to desire what is best for the other, sympathy, and empathy, honesty, and mutual understanding. -wikipedia
Emily- You have been my best friend since High School.. we have been friends for longer, but we really became close sophomore and junior years. Senior year, our friendship grew into more than just being friends, but Best Friends; the term i still use today to describe you. You've been here for me through my worst times. Even though, you may not have known the whole story about what i was going through, just having your friendship helped me through a serious depression i suffered through with my anxiety issues. Friends like you don't happen to every person, and i'm so blessed and so lucky to have you in my life. You have supported me through every decision that i've made, i'm comfortable around you no matter what, and you have helped me come out of my shell and to not be so uptight about situations. You've helped me see the real meaning of life, and you've helped shape me into the person i'm becoming. I couldn't have made it through so many things in my life without you, and i certainly can't imagine my life without you in it. I thank God every day that nothing has torn us apart threw that years and even in the 4 years since high school, we've somehow become closer, and have such an unbelievable bond.
Amanda- you, too are my best friend. I couldn't imagine the last 4 years without you. We've been friends since the day you moved in with your dad. I'll never forget that night at All-Skate when i thought i was so damn cool, and you were new to the school. ;) We were closer in Jr. High than we were in High School, but i'm so happy that we grew closer after graduation. We have been through a lot these past four years, and i don't think i would be the same person i am today without you in my life. I am truly blessed to have you as a best friend. You always find a way to make me smile or laugh, even when i want to punch you in your face. lol jk, but seriously, you're always keeping everyone upbeat, and you've helped me to realize how important it is to just let loose and have fun, even in the darkest of situations. I am so glad that you've shared these last 4 years of your life with me, and you've been the one who has made so many memories with me, and cried so many tears. I know that we can get through anything and that we will remain friends forever.
Jennie- Jennie, you and i were a lot closer in elementary school, but through Amanda, we've still remained close. Even though we don't hang out that much, i am still so greatful to have you as a friend. I know that you're always there, and you're always ready to fart, just to lighten up a sticky situation. You are always making me laugh, and just thinking about you always puts a smile on my face. Thank you so much for sharing your life with me, and i hope we continue to be friends for the rest of our lives.
Cristal- I'm so glad that we've gotten closer through Amanda. You may be Amanda's aunt, but i think of you more as my friend. We've been through alot together these past 4 years, and i'm so glad that you're in my life. I'm so blessed to be apart of your life, and to see your children grow up and be there for you and them. Thank you for always being there, always being able to help me see the best out of situations, and always making me remember who i am, and what makes me that person.
Tonya- So, we're not really that close, and we haven't known each other that long, but i'm so glad we've become friends through Cristal. You are an amazing woman, and seeing what you do inspires me to be a better person. You inspire me to believe in myself, and follow my dreams and i thank you for that. My birthday certainly wouldn't have been the same without you, and i'm looking forward to many more birthday celebrations with you. Ice Ice Baby!!!! :)
Ashley- Where do i start? I'm so glad that we've gotten to know each other through Emily. I couldn't have asked for a better person to enter my life when you entered mine. We have so much in common, and i love spending time with you. You bring out so much in me, and i can trust you. I know that you're always available, and i cherish our friendship. I'm so thankful that we're getting so close, and that our friendship is becoming so great. You are an amazing person, and your strength through rough times helps to remind me to stay strong. When i feel like breaking down, you are the person that helps me stay strong. You truly are admirable, and i am so blessed to have such a great person in my life.
Teresa- we haven't really spent that much time together, but i'm so glad that i've met you through Emily and Ashley. You and I, also have a lot in common, (maybe not as much as you and amanda but it's there ;)). I am looking forward to many more nights of fun with you, and days of shopping, especially at 3am. ;) Thank you for being so open and friendly to me, and for opening your home to me. I appreciate it, and am so blessed to be able to continue to grow closer to you and Steve.
Sara- I know i'm not supposed to talk about you in my blog, but i didn't feel right leaving you out. We've had our shares of ups and downs, especially lately. I don't know what to say about that other than i'm sorry. I've learned alot about myself, and about life through you. There is no one else in this world who i would rather see my brother married to. I am very excited for you two to start your lives together, and to raise a family. I'm so lucky to have you in my life, not very many people are as lucky as i am to have such a great, caring sister in law. I couldn't have gotten through a lot of things in my life without you, and i'm glad you've been here. I hope you realize how important you are to me and my family, and i hope you know how much we love you. You truly are an amazing woman, and you are one of the strongest people i know, to be able to do what you do, and to go through your relationship with my brother the way you do, really takes strength and integrity, and you've done so well through it all. Give yourself credit for all you do, and please realize how important you are to all of us.
Adam- Thank you for being such a great friend to me. You truly have helped me alot in these past few months. I didn't know you that well until you started hanging out with Emily again, but i'm so happy that we've gotten closer. I'm thankful to you for being so understanding, and helpful with everything that has come my way. I'm truly blessed to have you in my life, and thank you over and over again for being there for me, for wiping my tears away, and for making me laugh. I truly couldn't imagine these past few months without you.
Ryan- Even though we really haven't hung out that much, especially lately, i'm so glad that you too are in my life. You have treated Amanda like the princess she deserves to be treated as. You have taken us, her friends, in like your own family. You have been the rock that we've all needed through this past few months. Even though you are thousands of miles away, i thank you for being such a great influence in my life, and for being there for us, even in the desserts of Iraq. You truly are an American hero, and a great person. I couldn't have asked for a better person to steal the heart of my best friend. Thank you for being all that you are, and for being true to all of us, and to yourself through all that you've been through.
I am truly blessed to have such great friends. I couldn't have asked for better people to grace me with their precense. My friends know the true meaning of friendship, as they are always there for me, they can always make me laugh, and they support me through every decision i make, even if it may be extraordinarily crazy, and outrageous. My friends know me inside and out, and still chose to be with me all the time. We have the best times together, and can make any situation into a party. I know that my friends will always be here for me, no matter what the situation, or what the time is. There are so many other important people in my life, but i've highlighted the ones who have made such an impact on my life, and who i know cherish my friendship as much as i cherish theirs.
I love you all so much, and i can't imagine my life without you in it.
I am trying to spread the word to all of you, and to make sure that you all know how much i appreciate you and your friendship. I hope you all realize what amazing people you are, and how great you are.
Please remember to keep your heads held high, stay true to yourself, and always believe in who you are! I love you!
Please remember to keep your heads held high, stay true to yourself, and always believe in who you are! I love you!
