G is for GIRLFRIENDS

The older I get, the more I realize how important girlfriends really are.  I'm lucky enough to have a few close friends.  Some live close by.  Some live in different states. Regardless of location, whenever we get together, it's as though no time has passed at all.

I am still good friends with three girls I met in junior high school.  

We remained friends all throughout high school and, thanks to the Internet, stayed in touch when we all went our separate ways upon graduation.  Now, nearly 13 years later, we're all married, have 7 kids between the four of us and can still spend hours and hours talking to each other just like the good ol' days.

I also met a lot of really great people during my college days.  I had numerous roommates, but have really only kept in touch with one.  And that person is Karen.  I can't really say enough good about Karen.  She was my rock during pivotal moments of my life.  She introduced me to my husband.  She listened to me vent, didn't judge when I made stupid mistakes and overall the best influence in my life at that time.

Now, years later, we live in different states and are in different phases of our lives, but we continue to be close.  We text regularly.  We e-mail frequently.  And we try as best we can to visit each other a few times a year.

As my daughter grows and meets new people, I hope she can find good, solid friends like I have.  Friends really do influence us, be it good or bad.  And I hope my friendships with these lovely ladies will encourage my daughter to find a new of her own BFFs.