The Greatest Gift

What's that saying, "the best things in life are free"? I agree, to a point. The best gifts in my life are my friends. [My family is also a gift, but I didn't choose them.] I chose each one of them because they have a special quality. Whether it's their selflessness, their positive outlook, their sense of humor, their strength or their desire to be a good person, they each have something special. Friendships are free but they do require time, energy and effort. A friendship without these things cannot survive.

Last night I was able to spend some time with my oldest and dearest friends. This is a rare treat. They are all busy moms with crazy schedules.

We've known each other since junior high/high school and we're never more than a phone call away. Even if we go months without seeing each other, we can pick up right where we left off. That is such a good feeling.

Other friends live a bit of a distance away, but they're always in our thoughts.

Some friends, I've made through work. Who knew that spending 40 hours a week with someone could turn into a nice friendship?

Some I know from the neighborhood growing up

Others are new friends that I'm looking forward to getting to know better.

(Photo courtesy of Melanie, The Coupon Goddess)

Some friends, you have no pictures of. (Note to self, take more pictures of friends.)

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The only way to have a friend is to be one." I couldn't agree more.