friends

There is one thing in life that I have consistently prayed for whenever I get into a praying mood. It's something that doesn't come easy for me--something that I need to work hard at. When I was a little kid, I enjoyed spending time in my room reading and writing more than being around people. It started out that way because I am creative and introspective, then as I got older and went through different experiences, my loner tendencies slowly turned into a distrust of people in general. So I pull away from them, sometimes consciously, sometimes unaware of what I'm doing. I struggle with finding the proper balance of being an authentic person and protecting myself. I long for true friends, people that I can be honest and human with, and although some of the secrets I divulge may be shocking and weird, to still be loved by them. I'm sure that this desire is common for most people, although it's not something that we talk about in casual conversation.

Why am I writing this now? Because it is the eve of my long-awaited trip up to Illinois, and part of the visit will include old friends, some of whom I haven't seen since 2nd grade. Funny thing is, we weren't that close back then, but then again, how close can kids be in 2nd grade? But over this past year we have become reacquainted, and it's like those 30 years apart were nothing more than a few months. I have found that as I slowly let them into my world, these friends still care about me, and I trust them.

Those truly linked don't need correspondence. When they meet again after many years apart, their friendship is as true as ever--Deng Ming-Dao

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom--Marcel Proust

We all need friends with whom we can speak of our deepest concerns, and who do not fear to speak the truth in love to us--Margaret Guenther

To find a friend one must close one eye; to keep him, two--Norman Douglas

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new--Ralph Waldo Emerson