All of us have one special person in our lives that we've known for a long or short time, but is someone who's become a keepsake in our hearts. I call this person my "forever" best friend. I'm not talking about a spouse or significant other, but a friend who'll always occupy a place in your heart.Mine is someone I've known since Kindergarten and who I've remained close to through decades of our lives. We've shared the good and bad times, and treat each other as close family. She's someone I can eat dessert with, and ignore the calories. We went swimming together, took archery lessons together, and sold Girl Scout Cookies together. Margaret and I share so many memories, it's hard to think of a time in my life when she wasn't around.
Marriages and moves didn't end our bond; it just meant we had to reach out a little further in order to communicate or visit each other. Growing up, we lived within two blocks of each other. After so many moves (overseas and to different states), we found ourselves living in the same Middle America city near Kansas City, within two blocks of each other...just as we had when our friendship started.
What makes someone a "forever" best friend? Love, understanding, a shoulder to cry on, and knowing I can always count on her help, as she can always rely on mine. We've laughed together, cried together, and helped when chaos invaded our lives. I never hesitate when asked who my best friend is...it's Margaret, and always will be...forever.The first picture is what we SHOULD have looked like in our younger days; the last picture shows how we'll probably end up...two old ladies, still "forever" best friends, wearing purple and using matching walkers. Photos: neomimanalang'sphotostream, Flickr
Who's your "forever" best friend? Do you use characteristics of this person when writing your stories, or do you seek out books that give you the feeling that the heroine resembles your best friend?
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Beautiful blog April. You're both so fortunate to have each other.
ReplyDeleteXXOO Kat
You are very lucky. My one and only forever best friend died twelve years ago - at a very young age - of undiagnosed heart failure. She developed a viral myocarditis and nobody knew. Cheryl got up in the morning and died in her kitchen in the afternoon. It was really sad. But I do feel that she's always with me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kat. I am very fortunate to have my FBF.
ReplyDeleteJulia, it's so sad to lose someone who's your FBF like Cheryl. But, as you said, you feel she's always with you...and she will be.
My FBF and I met in college. Although our lives have gone in many different directions over the years, we know we'll be there for each other until the end!
ReplyDeleteI've had a forever best friend since 16. I'd be lost without Lisa. Though hundreds of miles separate us we're always there for each other. Thanks for the Heartwarming post.
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