Friend Tribute

“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”

After hitting my snooze alarm this morning, I woke up at 7:35 for work at 8:00. Everyone has, at some point, had that heart-pumping, frantic wake-up call. Suddenly things like your hairstyle are at the bottom of your list as you rush from the door with curly frizz, no eyeliner and a quick brush of the teeth (if you're lucky!)

If you haven't guessed, that's what I look like today. I have tried to amp up my personality today as to detract from the brown curly mop on top of my head right now and the undefined eyelids.

I wish I could say that this was the only alarming wake-up call I had this week, but sadly, it was not. A friend's car accident served as an abrupt halt to life as I knew it. Finding out about her miraculous escape from serious injury or death stalled me in my tracks. It's like I get on automatic and assume that everyone I know and love will continue going about being the ones I know and love forever, without ceasing.

It sounds kind of spiteful to say that I take them for granted, but in a small way, I do. Living life with the attitude that they are always going to be there is, in itself, a demeaning reciprocation to the support, love and friendship they have bestowed upon me. Instead, I should look at them every day as if I am truly, unbelievably blessed to have them in my life.

I lost a friend in high school and swore I would never forget what it felt like. Isn't it amazing how quickly we do? How we store pain and memories in a place so dark and so deep that it doesn't emerge until we are reminded? Sitting on my bed and hearing that my best friend had flipped her vehicle twice sent a rush of emotion over me; emotions that have been beneath the surface for a long time. I was flooded with memories, things I didn't get to say, regrets and events that were coming up in our future.

I thank God that he spared her life and allowed me to get the chance to say those words; not only words to her, but words to everyone who has been a puzzle piece in my life. Childhood friends, high school friends, college friends and young adult friends who have all stepped into my life at the right time. Some have been with me through all of the stages, some have seen me through several and some were present only for a single time. But no matter what leg of my journey they were on, they were deeply needed and appreciated, whether I fully expressed it or not.

So, my dear, dear friends and relatives, consider this the words I didn't say. Please don't read this and wonder if I'm talking about you; know without a doubt that you are included in this tribute. Whether we've spent a lifetime together or only a few moments of conversation, know that you have had an unexplainable impact on my life.

I love you all and hope that it won't take another wake-up call for me to let you know it.