Friends are Friends Forever....

Anyone who lived in the south (or on Planet Earth, for that matter) in the 90s should know the lyrics to Michael W. Smith's song "Friends are Friends forever." While I'm not particularly religious (aside from starting Derekh Torah classes last night as a means of converting to Judaism, but I digress) this song is poignant in my life.


I've been fortunate to have some really close, fantastic friends over the years. Having lived in so many different places, I've developed and maintained friendships all over the place (which is really handy when you need a couch to crash on while visiting said location.) Each of these friends have taught me something, and I'm fortunate to have them in my life.


I met my best friend the first day of 6th grade. We were given 2 errands to run for the teacher, and in true form, I politely (and bossily) informed her that she would be accompanying me on my errand, as I didn't want to get lost on my very first day of middle school. For some insane reason, this didn't seem to phase her, and we've been best friends ever since. We've made a million memories since then (I have photographic evidence to support this. Let's just say that her favorite outfit for quite a while was a jean jumper. This might explain her career choice later in life) and I wouldn't trade a single moment of our time together.


She (for the purpose of this post, I'll refer to her as "Giraffe" because she's tall, blonde, and loves Africa) was just here visiting me in NYC this past weekend, and it made me realize how much I miss having her nearby. Sure, we talk every day (usually 3-4 times per day, in addition to email conversations throughout the day) but it's just not the same as having her here in person to bemoan the realities of life (i.e-- what we've eaten that day, whether or not an article of clothing is cute, or to exchange any random gossip we've heard.)


Giraffe and I are polar opposites in pretty much every way imaginable, and I don't just mean physically. (Let's just say that we never competed for the same guy-- she's leggy, and at a whopping 5'3" I was blessed with other qualities, but legs ain't one of 'em.) She's conservative, deeply religious, indecisive when it comes to shopping, and a lover of all southern foods. (Her favorite restaurant is a bbq joint in a gas station. Sounds ridiculous, but it's actually pretty stinkin' awesome!) Somehow, we've never let these differences get in the way of our friendship.


This weekend, my SD and Giraffe got into a discussion of Christianity, and I was incredibly impressed by the articulate, educated, respectful way in which Giraffe defended her beliefs. She was quiet, calm, and confident in answering every single one of his questions. It was the first time that I'd really seen that side of her, and my heart swelled with pride. Despite us not having the same beliefs, I have tons of respect for anyone who can explain why they believe what they do in such a poignant manner. I felt as though I understood her in a whole new light after just listening to their conversation!


Her ability to stay positive and upbeat even when things get challenging is a constant source of inspiration for me. Be it career or personal, each situation she finds herself in is viewed as a means of god's plan for her-- something I struggle with and don't really grasp.


We've had our bumps along the course of our 15 year friendship (that's right. We're pushing the big 3-0 and getting OLD!) but never once have I doubted our friendship and the special bond that we have. It's rare in life to find a soulmate outside of your significant other-- but in finding Giraffe, I found a soulmate for life.