The Definition of Friendship

Another week goes by; more families experiencing loss. I wanted to repost this definition of friendship. My heart is aching, and I can only imagine the hearts of those who have lost a loved one this week. My hope is that you will read this and remember anyone you know who is hurting. Be a forever friend.

It's mid-September; fall is starting to show itself a little at a time. Football games and all things pumpkin define this time of year. You're busy with kids' sports and school carnivals. You've got fun plans most weekends, and you can't wait for those comfort foods to warm you through brisk weather. In the middle of all of this change, a loss this last week made me stop the hustle and pray. My heart is heavy for a sweet mom who just lost her battle with cancer. I had only met her once through my sweet friend, Laura. Yet, when I heard of her passing, I immediately thought of her sweet little ones. Her husband. Her loved ones. Then, I thought of her friends. They fought along side her; they loved her and her family. They prayed and shared and supported. Now, they are hurting.

I recently lost a friend to cancer in March. I bet that cancer has touched the life of someone you know as well. The words I want to say about this awful disease are not pleasant. If there is one thing I HATE, it's THIS stupid thing that takes away so many amazing people. Yet, I also witness the power of friendship during these horribly hard times. Thank you to Laura and Jeri for being so amazing to Amy and for inspiring me. My prayers for you girls are never ceasing.

Life is NOT easy. Adult life is TOO much at times. We lose, we stress, we worry. We can get lost in our own worlds. Oh man, I am SO guilty of this - I can rock a pity party like nobody's business. After a long day, I can shut down. Shut out all those that love me. I can get angry that nobody knows my hurt. I can get completely selfish. But it's a loss like Amy that snaps me back into reality. You would think knowing the pain of loss would have done that long ago.

So, today, in honor of Amy and in honor of those friends who are hurting, reach out to your friends. Forgive the silliness. Stop the silence. Send them this message that Amy sent her friend Jeri this past summer. It's beautiful, and it's the true definition of friendship.

Sometimes in life, you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop. Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is forever friendship. When you're down and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times and the confused times. If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows. If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on. Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay. And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete because you need not worry. You have a forever friend, and forever has no end.

Jeri, Laura, and all of Amy's friends and loved ones, you are in our hearts and prayers.