There are, perhaps, two people in my life that I would consider my “best friends” at this point in time.

However, I may or may not mean to them what they mean to me in the same capacity.  And, I’m okay with that.

These are people that I could call in the middle of the night to watch one of my children while I take another to the hospital.  They are people who understand and are not offended when I simply offer cupcakes for their birthday.  They are women who love me as I am, imperfections and all, and WANT to spend time with me regularly.

I love them.

And then, there are other people who I care a lot about and have different types of relationships with to different degrees.  It’s only been in the last several months or so that I’ve grown to understand that relationships don’t have to model a certain example just to be meaningful.  You don’t have to both drink coffee into the sunrise sharing your innermost feelings.  You don’t have to hang out regularly.  You don’t have to know each other’s thoughts.  You don’t have to be so comfortable with each other that you would even take each other to an important (or not as important) doctor’s visit.

I have some friends who say the darnedest things, but they make me laugh and despite their knack at getting themselves into trouble occasionally, I enjoy their spirits.

I have some friends who are so full of energy, that I yearn to just be in their presence to just soak them up.  They invigorate me.

I have other friends who radiate kindness and love.

I have some friends who…

I have many different friends and until a few months ago, I was trying to fit them into this mold of sorts.  I thought that in order to have a meaningful relationship, it had to meet some sort of hollywood definition.  But, I’ve come to accept that some of the best friendships are those found in the unexpected.

I’ve learned not to push the quiet loving friends to accompany me to many activities.  I’ve learned not to be offended when they can’t.  I have learned to embrace their choice to pursue quietness and simplicity and even only invite them to things most important to me.

I’ve learned that some friends are no less of friends just because they aren’t perfect.

I’ve learned that so often we all mistakenly see some sort of elite circle that we wish more than anything to be a part of.  A circle so great and wonderful, that when you become a part of it, you realize it was just a mirage, not really there.  And then, you begin to wonder about another circle and if they would truly accept you  as you are.  But, eventually… you realize the circles are only figments of our imaginations, concocted by our own insecure minds.

Thank God for lessons learned and friendships forged.  So thankful to have been freed from myself and the stupid idea I was holding friendships up to, something which never could be attained.

Welcome back!