I love my friends! Somehow I have been one of the luckiest people in the entire world because I have the most loyal and amazing friends! Even after being out of the country for a year and a half I still get calls and messages and the occasional letter just telling me that I haven’t been forgotten. My friends are not “fair-weather friends.” They are there even when it isn’t convenient (like limited internet signal). They are always supportive, even when they think what I am doing is crazy. They know I am not perfect, but they never hold grudges against me when I say or do something that I shouldn’t. They forgive me without any hesitation. They trust me with their secrets…the secrets that make up the fabric of their lives, and they never doubt that I will maintain their confidence no matter what may happen. They love me, unconditionally.
And in return, I try to be the most loyal friend I can. I love to listen and be a part of their lives. I hope I do a decent job of being there when they ask me, and being there when they don’t ask me, but I know they want me to be. I never forget them. I always think of them, and wish them well…
I know that I don’t deserve to, not only have such amazing people in my life, but to have kept such amazing people in my life for so many years. Through relationships and moves and kids and marriages and job changes there are incredible people who remain in my life, making sure that I know that they will never give up on what we have. Sometimes, I get a phone call that makes me realize that I am one of the luckiest individuals on this earth, because no matter if I am in a solitary home in an empty coffee field without a soul in sight, I am not alone. And I will never be alone.
I just want to say, to those friends, you all are the reason that I am still here. Your continual love, support, encouragement, and confidence in me is what gives me the strength to do this wonderful, but also very trying job
Thank you.
