Of Friends... and daughters

Spent a great day with my daughter yesterday and I came to realize just how fortunate I am. Despite the crazy teenage years when we both couldn't stand each other some days, as we have both grown - and matured! - we have also become friends. Obviously, not best friends who tell each other everything - after all it is still a mother/daughter relationship as well - but still friends. Friends with whom you can share a story, or good news, or vent, or a shopping trip, or a day just hanging out. That's pretty cool actually.

Shared a similar story with Aunty Eva when I called last night as she had spent the day with her own daughter and they had a marvelous time. She had been hesitant about going at first, but was so glad that she did.

I believe as women, we all need someone (or many someones) to just be that friend. For a lot of reasons, but mostly because no one can quite understand the trials we may have in life quite like another woman. They won't try to fix us - cause we're not broken - we just need to vent. They understand that sometimes it is just about sharing a cup of coffee or shopping for a new outfit or finding a great deal on that movie you have always wanted. And sometimes, it's just about sharing some time.

I don't know who wrote the following, but someone sent this to me a little while ago and I dedicate it to all the girls in my life - but most of all to my special girl, my daughter!

GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend and then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.
Another will sit besi de you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,' another, 'Let's fight together,' another, 'Let's walk away together.'
One friend will meet your spiritual need, another your shoe fetish, another your love for movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion, & another will be your clarifier, another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ; those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many, it's wrapped up in several..
one from 7th grade, one from high school, several from the college years, a couple from old jobs, on some days your mother, on some days your grandmother, on some days your neighbor, on others, your sisters, and on some days, your daughters.