Realization

friend–noun
1. a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.
2. a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter.
3. a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile

I always knew I had people in my life I considered friends. People I talked to in class, those I frequently text, those who I see all the time at work...all considered friends. Sure, anyone can be a friend, but there's a heirarchy to this term. There are the bottom level friends, people who wave when you walk past, say hello politely, and ask how your day is going. Then there are the middle level friends, hanging out with them occausionally, seeing how their life is going, the occausional phnoe call or e-mail, etc. Finally, there is the top level friends...these are the friends that are going to be there for you through and through. These are the friends you can trust with your life, and occausionally do. These are the freinds you love and trust. These are the friends that are true.

It wasn't until earlier tonight, I think I realized what the term "true friend" really means. One of my truest friends-sister actually- had dinner with me today. I hadn't seen her in a few days, and when she accepted my offer, I was so excited...We had a lot to catch up on! To make a long story short, her husband has made the brave and admirable decision to join our nations Navy. When she first told me, I couldn't believe it at all! He is a great guy, but I jsut couldn't place him in the Navy. I told myself maybe it wasn't serious, or maybe he was still deciding as I walked to my car to pick her up...

After dinner, and on my way back to my apartment, I realized just how real this decision is, and, although this is far from important, how it will impact me. I've always thought I've been there for this friend, but now I'll have to be there in a whole new capacity, trying to comfort her while her husband is away-something I know little about. I'll have to deal with not seeing him, as he is also a friend of mine, and, the worst realization, I'll have to harbor the insane difficulty it will be to not have her in my life on a regular basis when she moves base to base with him.

Sure, texts, e-mails, Facebook and skype are one thing, but not being able to calorie count at Friendly's, have countless girls nights, go baby clothes shopping and share crazy Outback memories will be impossible. I didn't tell her that (even though I'm sure she'll be reading this in the next 24 hours), that I was holding back tears the whole time I was driving her home-heck, why else would the radio have gotten so loud! After I dropped her off, I lost it, and have been having a hard time holding it together ever since.

I've never really felt like this over a friend before, which brings me to the "true" part. The idea of being with out this true friend and sister figure is going to be rough. I'm so proud of her husband, and her for the strength she is showing by supporting him, and only hope that my hardship with this won't be hard on her. At the same vain however, I now realize just how much she means to me, and how much I love both her and my friendship with her. Love ya sis...

"TRUE friends are like stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there”

Until tomorrow...