For my friends

When I was growing up I was taught that friends are not important. I was always told that friends are people who would stab you in the back the first chance they got, were only looking out for themselves, and are not worth the time. My mom would say, "You will always have me and your family." I grew up believing it. Turns out, all of that was a huge steaming pile of shit.

This has been a bit of a tough year for me. In the new year I lost all hope for any further relationship with my parents. They started a battle they could never win and for the safety of my boys and the solidarity of my marriage, I walked away.  Later in the year we lost my uncle, and a few months after that my aunt passed away. This past month, things are changing again. My husband, who has always been the breadwinner, was out of work for too long. We were charging groceries to the credit card and watching as out debt rose to an uncomfortable level. I started working for the first time in six years. My friends have been there for me every step of the way. They have offered help with the kids, an ear, a shoulder to cry on, and someone to hug me. My friends have taught me that I am not and will never be alone. They have encouraged me and cared for me. They have reassured me in times of despair and never ever tried to stab me in the back.

This week has been difficult for my family and my friends have again shown me how awesome they are. I am constantly humbled by the love and support around me. I want to say and extra thank you to my best friend, who took my son when Arthur had a fire call, and brought him to me at work for some much needed mommy cuddles. Thank you to my mother-in-law for taking Austin so we could focus on Levi in his time of need. Thank you to a beautiful shinning soul who brought me a meal in jar, just because. That meal came at the absolute perfect time. Thank you to the friend who cleaned my kitchen table so that I could actually see it for the first time in two weeks. Thank you to my new friend who offered support and her services as a babysitter so I can run next weekend. Thank you to my neighbour/friend who came to the rescue to watch the kids so Arthur and I could get an hour out on a Friday night. Thank you to the friend who offered a full day of fort building and face painting for my kids so Arthur and I could reconnect. Thank you to the friends who think of me for their families cake and cupcake needs. Your support is so much appreciated. Thank you to the friends who listened and allowed me to bounce ideas off them. Thank you to the friends who didn't let me miss a workout this week because they knew I needed it.

I can say with 100% certainty and with every fibre of my being, that friends are worth the time and they ARE important.