When Lives Touch

Friend. It has to be one of the most beautiful words in the dictionary. It has so many layers of meaning. You have best friends, casual friends, friends with fringe benefits, friendships forged in the wink of an eye or over many years of discovery.

I have been blessed throughout my life with friends. I was never one of the popular crowd but I prefer quality friendships over quantity. Age or sex was never a factor, only a willingness to share a part of their lives with me.

I'm also lucky that I am friends with my children, not just their mom. My son is a treasure, a caring man who would do almost anything for a friend. My daughters are both married, with husbands that accept my slightly crazy ways, the circle of friendship ever rippling outward, including their friends as well. Sometimes life runs in a path unanticipated.

When Lives Touch

I reached out and you reached back.
That first sharing was just a snack,
At lunch one day.
At recess time, you saw me there,
Standing alone and you cared
Enough to ask me why I cried.
You showed me who you were inside.
A friend.

As we grew older, there was more to share.
First love, first kiss, first smoke on a dare.
We both choked and laughed so hard
Hiding out in the backyard.

Our lives at times drifted apart
But we were sisters of the heart.
No matter how long we were out of touch,
A phone call would bring us in a rush
To share both our joy and pain.

I never thought I'd lose you but
God called you home, not time enough
To say goodbye.
I kept dreaming that you played a joke
And out of the closet, your head would poke
And say "Surprise"

But it was not to be.

I'll always carry you in my heart.
25 years was not enough.
You showed me how a friend should be.
And how to treasure each one
Individually.
No matter how long or short the time
We have together,
A friend is forever.