Marlowe’s two best friends were over for a bit today, and since I’ve been continuing to think about all the bits and parts of what goes into “back to school” time lately, I asked them about the importance of friends, and friendships. When I posed the question, “Girls, what makes a good friend?” here is what they had to say:
They said these things while giggling with each other and eating snacks and deciding what to play before everyone had to run off to their different evening sport or extracurricular activity. I observed them so comfortable and happy together, and it took me back to my own pack of friends from fifth grade… friends I still hold dear to this day.
I have many friends that I’ve held onto for nearly 40 years, and some I’ve only recently gathered. None of whom I check in with enough, or get together with enough, or show my appreciation for them enough.
Not nearly.
But isn’t remarkable when you find someone like that? Someone you just want to tell everything to? Someone you trust with all the parts of you, even the parts you don’t like so much? Someone who automatically makes you feel better just by being near them? Someone who you can safely declare is “your person”?
Hold onto those friendships when you find them—they are diamonds mined from a river of stones.
I love watching Marlowe and these girls together, and love to imagine the very real possibility that they will still be friends when they are in their mid-forties, watching their own children play together. That kind of human connection is truly remarkable… and as they navigate this still newish back-to-school time of year, I’m so happy that they have each other by their side. Because, in the end, life is so much better when navigated together.
What friendship can you honor today?