Thick and Thin….

Today I got to attend a birthday party for my sweet friend Charlotte. She turned 80 and they gave her a surprise party. I should say that she is possibly one of my most favorite people. She is real , she is hilarious and she loves big!!!

What struck me most is when her best friend walked in. She wanted everyone to know they had been best friends for 60 years. She shared about some of their adventures and how they had lived and laughed through most of their friendship. I realized wow I’m so blessed to have people like that in my world. I immediately left and called my girls and told them how blessed I was to have them in my life. Each conversation we laughed about the similarities of Charlottes friendship and the ones I have with them. Thick and thin. Such a simple statement. I mean who is in your boat? Who is your cheering section? I can tell you I have an enormous boat. I sat with friends at the party who I’ve just met in the last 5 years and I feel so close to them. One shared a very personal moment with me and I just thought wow that shows us how much we should appreciate everyone who’s in your corner. I go eat lunch every Sunday without fail with Kelly Helms. She is the epitome of selflessness. She is a giver and she is walking through such a hard part on her life and yet she always thinks of everyone else. When all we get is once a week most times, she is still every bit of an encourager and just makes sure you are first. I can sit here and tell you all day about the blessings of friendship I have. The group text that have gone on for years with my cousins or the road trips I’ve taken with some of the biggest, craziest people I know. Moments….Moments that lend to memories. Just like Charlotte had with Pat. Sixty years of great stories. So today I’m thankful. Thankful for Charlotte and for the reminder of all the friendships past or present I have in my world. Whew. I have a beautiful ,beautiful circle. It’s just a reminder of how rich life is if you just look around. I love a good gift and everyone knows that but I sure do love my friendships and the people I do life with more. In the words of Bob Hope…”Thanks for the memories” and for the ones yet to come.