The Power Of Friendship

The term Friend is not one I use loosely.

I have many acquaintances but few I would call friend.

Today, I'd like to share with you two of my friends.

Combined, I have known these two ladies for

fifty-three years.  One trained me in on a job many years ago

and the other I met when our daughters were 2 months old.

Both have celebrated with me on the adoption of my two children.

Each has seen me through a divorce.

They have held me up during countless battles of fighting for the rights of those

with special needs.  They have accepted and loved my children through

the good and not so good.

They lent willing ears and strong shoulders as I cared

for my Mom in her last months here on earth.

They carried me through the death of my Mom, my best friend.

They remember my Mom with me.

They've laughed with me, cried with me, traveled with me,

nursed me after a severe car accident,

transported me to the hospital and watched my children while

I was "checked out" in ER.

I know I can call them day or night.

They have, in some ways, become the spouse I do not have.

They put up with my moods.  Support me when I'm down

and even when my opinionated self drives others away.

They hug me when I need it.

They encourage me when I need it.

Recently, unknowing to each other,

they lovingly and very subtly encouraged me to take better care of myself.

One walks through the doors with me each week, grocery shops with me

and gets excited over new recipes with me.

The other, calls frequently to boost me up,

my cheerleader,

calling every Saturday to ask:

"Well, how did you do?"

And no matter what I say,

she says "Good job, Jill!"

A good friend often knows what you need before

you are ready to admit it.

And they aren't afraid to tell you.

A little fun fact is they share the same name.

One is Theresa, the other Teresa.

One goes by Terri.

The other Teresa.

Both are treasures in my life.

Thank you, my dear friends.

Love you.