Friends... How many of us have them...

That's What Friends are For
And I never thought I'd feel this way
And as far as I'm concerned I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you
And if I should ever go away
Well then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today
And then if you can remembered smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
Well you came in loving me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you
Oh and then for the times when we're apart
Well then close your eyes and know
The words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember

As you know I love modern technology. From my cell phone to my sidekick to my laptop I am able to get in contact with the people I love at moments notice. I was checked by a Soror a few months ago who shared with me that we don't talk like we used to... I thought to myself what is she talking about? I talk to her dayum near every day! Via instant messenger.

But you know what? That is not the same as human interaction. She's right. In all the hustle and bustle of life... I forgot to call. Unfortunately, she isn't the only one that has experienced the digital me...and I am sittin here really considering friendship and all that it means to me.
When you are a friend of mine... it is usually for life. We have connected in some sort of way... for whatever reason... perhaps it was through school, work, a significant other, a relationship that should have been nothing more than friends to begin with, sorority, community events or just because. The unraveling of my friendships I have learned has been as a result of often times just simply losing touch.

This entry is dedicated to those who I have loved and continue to love and respect. I have learned that true friendship stands the test of time.

The elements for becoming a friend may have changed over the years. Elementary school, being who had the flyest Converse or Guess jeans. Junior High, who was the most down for whatever. High school, who can dance like me... better than me made you a friend...and we probably did a talent show or two. Then it was what can you do for me... you got a car the at we can ditch with... you must be cool people! College... first time a way from home, word your not from here either? These people in VA are crazy. Are you from New York? Tri-State Area? When I went to school in the Chi friends became... so you want to pledge?

As an adult my friendships have become shaped by people with common interest. So you teach also? Hmmm committed to community? Down for the cause? So can you dance? What church do you go to?

Despite the evolution of friendship criteria... one thing remains the same regardless if I talk to you every day, once a month, twice a year... it seems as though we can always pick up where we left off.

I have been blessed to have some of the most unique friends. There are those who due to time and loyalty have just always been there and I will ALWAYS be there for.

You know the friend that calls you just to say what's up and asks about the family? The one who rushed you to the hospital and stayed with you because you were scared to be alone. There are those who have seen the best and worst of you and despite that love you anyway. The ones who have seen you cry when the world thought that you were so strong. The friend that held your hair back while you "released" when you had kicked it too hard at the club. The one who drove your car to keep you from getting pulled over. The one who you covered for with her mom and she did the same for you. The one you cried with when she learned that she was pregnant and we were still in school. The one who never hesitates to tell you how proud she is of who you have become despite the fact that our lives have gone different directions. The one who was there to share wisdom when he broke your heart. The one that should have been the love of your life if you weren't so stubborn and he wasn't so slow. The ones who God brought into your life and forged a bond that nothing will ever break. The one who's wedding you cried in. The one that you laughed with. The one that you club hopped with like you were young again. The one that you shared your darkest secrets and your greatest dreams with. The one who messed up you hair but you loved anyway. The one who never left your dorm room because she didn't have a place to stay. The ones who made sure they were there when you walked across that stage, to cop that degree... B.A. and the M.A.

This is to each friend that I have known that has made a difference in my life... keep smiling... keep shining...