It's been a rough month. Some personal. Some professional. Some health. Some growth. ...and then the Holidays. Don't get me wrong, those times, make me appreciate the good times even more.
I look around and see those that are dealing with loss. Those that are dealing with change. Those that are dealing with this journey that we call life. Sure there are great times, but for me, so many of those great times are shared with those that I cherish--my tribe, so to speak.
I smile when I think of the "real" times that I have had with those around me. The relative that takes a call or text at any time of the day--to share a story, a laugh, a tear. She is ALWAYS in my corner, and while she can call me on my "stuff," I never feel like she is judging. She has known me my whole life. She gets it. She gets me.
A friend who is always there for a "Oh my gosh, you didn't" story; to walk me off the proverbial ledge; or to simply share a laugh, a meal, or an opinion. She gets me because our lives are similiar in so many ways, and yet, just different enough that she adds to mine. She pushes me to think differently, but then is there to catch me when I lose my balance.
Then there is the friend that lives much too far away, but through the magic of technology can connect at just the right time. We have known each other for nearly 30 years, and while we have lost touch a couple times, it's one of those friendships that picks up right where it leaves off--without missing a beat. She is the kind that pushes me to think without knowing it. The kind that asks, "So what have you thought about your focus and goals for 2017." ...as I was trying to figure out when I would start Christmas shopping--last week. Her wit. Her ability to "be" right there with me without judgement, these are the things I cherish.
Another friend with whom I've had a crazy path. First, 15 years ago, and over the years, our lives have parralleled each other, down to the craziest of stories. As a male friend, sometimes the exceedingly honest stories/events/occurences (and non-occurrences) he tells me has me laughing (and astonished and blushing), but he trusts me...and I trust him. He's the kind of cerebral geek that calls one night and says, "You need to read "Wired for Dating.'"...and then he calls to see what chapter I'm on so we can discuss it. (By the way, the book is AMAZING if you are in the dating market. There is also one called a "Wired for Love," but I'm not that advanced.) I digress, sorry. This friend holds me accountable and constantly gives me a male perspective--because, we all know, they are a different breed, but he certainly knows the way to do it, maybe because he is "there" with me. Recently, we got together share a beverage and some laughs. I walked in the door, and a clip from a Seinfield episode came through via text. As the subject of part of the conversation had been dating, it was, correct, the episode talking about George having a girlfriend--and challenges. Hysterical. In my face. Soft. Caring. Kind.
As I reflect, I am blessed that I have foxhole buddies. And while I have others than the ones that I shared about, as I write this post, I realize that they each serve a different purpose, but all are so valuable. I need them, and they tell me they need me. We are foxhole buddies--without judgement, ridicule, or harsh words. We get in the trenches together--we don't direct each other out from the top.
As I get ready for this next week which is right off the tilted holiday schedule rush, I will remember those--dressed in camo with me, ready to fight. To laugh. To cry. And to take on all those b@#St@rds who try to shoot at us.
Some want front teeth for Christmas. Me....I just want sore ribs from laughing so hard and a box of kleenex to share from the tears.