Friends.

I am the person I am because of my family and friends. My family contributes to most of my persona. It’s either genetics or inspiration that has made me the strong willed, passionate, stubborn or laid back person I am today. If it weren’t for the people in my life I would not be who I am.

I contribute a lot to my family for giving me the knowledge to laugh through my tears. My parents were goons, always having fun and showing me that life hits you hard, but laughter is like a shield that protects you from the hit. My husband is a character who has the best belly laugh in the world and my daughter is the funniest child I have ever met. My sister and her family are also fun hooligans and my in-laws know how to have a good time.

But it’s my friends that really know how to bring out the giggles when I wear a frown. I’ve stated before that I have friends that I have known since my wee little years and friends that I make daily. I count on all of them just as they count on me.

I’m proud of my friends. I’m proud of all of them for who they are and what they have become. I’m honored and humbled that they have all chosen me to laugh through life with. I’m grateful for their strength when I have been weak, their courage when I have been a coward and my saviors when I have lost God.

Every one of them are different and unique. None of them are the same. And each one of them has benefited me in some unique way. Continued support, a constant shoulder when needed, a light at my tunnels. I need them all in my life or I am incomplete as a person.

There are so many memories that I share with each of them. Different memories from one to the other. Memories that carry my heart when it feels heavy. They are the memories that are pages in my life.

It is true, my family is most important to me and by all means, they are the ticker to my beating heart. But I make sure Diva has her friends to rely upon when her mother can’t kiss the pain away and my hubby depends on his friends for moral support or when he is rushing into a burning building with one of them. They are bonded. They are brothers. Diva has a list of life long friends already. I can tell. But she is like her momma and makes new friends all the time. Friends that mean so much to her. To stick up for her when her mom can’t and to comfort her when she is away. I treasure the bonds they share.

I want my husband and daughter to both depend on their friends as well. I encourage spending alone time with their friends. I encourage all of us to have our friend time, alone so we can bond closer with our friends. I encourage this so the union of friendship becomes as imperative to them as it is for me.

I am so prosperous. I am so wealthy. I have the best of both worlds. I have a family that I can depend upon and I have friends that I can enjoy. I have laughter in my life everyday. I have smiles, giggles, and belly laughs every day! I am so fortunate.

To each one of my friends, thank you. Thank you for being the puzzle pieces that put me together. Thank you for the memories you share with me and make with me. Thank you for the love you pour from your heart to my family and me. Thank you for wiping my tears or giving me strength when I am weak. Thank you for allowing me to be your friend. Thank you.

This goes out to all of you. Rather you have known me since I was a straggly little brat to friends I have recently met to friends I have never met except through a computer. This is for you. You have all played important roles to my life. You have all contributed in some way. I could never possibly show you all how grateful I am to have you. It isn’t possible. But I hope that you can see through my beating heart how much you have swelled it with pride and joy.

Friends! I hope you all the best because you all deserve it.