A true friend is something to be cherished.  To me, it is a friend who doesn’t require anything of you.  A person who loves you for who you are not who they want you to become.  Someone who is there for the celebrations and is happy for you, and is there for the disappointments and is willing to listen.

My children have asked me, “Who’s your best friend?”  The term best friend is hard for me to define.  But I certainly know my true friends.

It is my hope that my true friends know that friendship is reciprocal.  With a true friend I have total confidence that no matter what the issue, we would be there for each other.  We may not agree or even like the circumstances, but we listen.  That is one of the blessings of having true friends.

My late husband was a true friend.  I could always be myself.  He never asked me to be anyone other than who I was each and every day.  I wasn’t afraid to let him see any of the versions of me.

My true friends are people of the same nature. They are people that no matter what happens, no matter what I do, no matter what I say, and no matter how I act, they allow me to be me, and still pursue the friendship.

I have a love for all, actively listen, and enjoy being helpful to people in general.  As true friends, we go to another level of trust and reach out in faith.

With my true friends, I trust that I can be me and not be ridiculed. I trust that we can share feelings and thoughts knowing that the information will stay confidential. 

If I don’t agree with what a friend is doing, I still love them, I just take a step back and don’t involve myself in that part of their life.  When toxic situations arise, I gently distance or remove myself from the situation. 

True friends take time, commitment, and sometimes perseverance.  But they should also bring you joy.  Finding a true friend is a gift.  I have true friends from high school, college, work, our neighborhood, and through various activities.  Many of my true friends I rarely see, but we know we can rely on each other. 

One of my Mom’s true childhood friends moved to another state after graduating from high school.  They saw each other only a few times throughout their adult lives, but they remained treasured friends. 

The girls and I went with my Mom to visit this friend several years ago.  The two had been friends for over 70 years.  I felt like I knew this friend well despite only meeting on a few occasions.  I believe it was because they had such deep respect and trust for each other.  As a child, I always admired their friendship and as an adult, I hope that I am able to foster similar treasured friendships.    

To have true friends, I need to be a true friend.  It is a leap of faith, but it is worth it. 

I am very grateful for my true friends!

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