"There's no no no way I'd make it without you. It's so good to know. I've got a friend like you." -from Geoff Moore & the Distance's 'Friend Like U'.
When someone asks you about your best friends, who is it that immediately pops in your head? We all have at least one person that is a closer friend than anyone else. You may see that person every day. Or if it's been a while, you're never surprised at how easily you pick up from where you left off. There's that connection and bond that will never end.
There is a good reason. Without friends, we wouldn't have a shoulder to cry on. Without friends, we wouldn't have laughed so much that it made us cry. Without friends, we wouldn't have someone to tell us we messed up. I, myself, place strong value on my friendships. I've never claimed to be famous. I've never wanted a lot of friends. The more friends you have the greater the chance that they'll just be fair weather friends. If I'm going to pour out my heart and energy for someone, I'm cautious. Yet, when I land that solid friendship, I am completely loyal.
I mention all of this to bring home this point: Keep your friends close and don't be scared to make new ones. Today, Gavin obtained a new friend. One of Heather's ladies from her small group needed Heather to watch her girl, Madison, today. Heather agreed. They all had a great time. Madison is 4 and just a sweet girl. She and Gavin hit it off really good. In fact, she and Gavin engaged in playing together. Gavin doesn't do this. He likes being around his friends, but he's never sought out much time in actually playing together. Gavin interacted a lot in play with Madison. It's weird. If you look at the below picture, you would swear the two were brother and sister. Gavin may not be old enough to understand everything there is about friends. But he knows enough to try to keep the good ones.
 Speaking of keeping the good ones, I've been fortunate to hang onto a friendship that has lasted for 21 years. I'll admit there have been periods when we lost track of each other. I can't really tell you why. Anyway, despite the lapse, I've been friends with Jennie since 1986. She was one of the first friends I met when my family moved to Piedmont, MO. We've had a strong relationship all through school. While I was in college, I let the relationship slide. I'm not sure how we recently reconnected (I think MySpace helped), but I am so grateful for getting the link again. Last weekend, her family and mine finally met and hung out. We had a great time. Gavin made a new friend with Jennie's boy, Aiden. Heather made several new friends in Jennie, Kevin (Jennie's husband), and Jessica (another friend from Piedmont). Kevin and I got to know each other more. And yes, Jennie, Jessica and I caught up right where we left off years ago.
 (above picture: Sitting left to right: Me, Jennie, JessicaStanding: Heather and Kevin)
While I'm on the subject of friends, I want to take this time to mention how wonderful and special two of our friends are: Brandi and Becky. Heather and I have known Becky since college. We've been blessed to know Brandi for 2 years but it seems like forever. They have done so much for Heather, Gavin, and myself during this past year with Heather's illness. Words cannot portray everything. Heather, Brandi, and Becky are closer because they're women. Where one is, the other is not too far behind (bad knees you know).  Yes, this blog turned out to be a book. Friends are important and we need them. I value them. The tragedy that happened on the college campus of Virginia Tech this week has made me value my friends a little better. The guy responsible was a loner. People tried to befriend him, but he refused to socialize with anyone. Am I saying that if he had a close friend that the tragedy would have been prevented? No. I'm just saying someone would have tried to help. Friends are awesome that way.
Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them.
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