For all my angels!!!

Today, I was ready to talk. I was pissed. I was really pissed. I resent my friend for every miserable thought I have today, I was furious that he would subject me to the unprotected experience of my own feelings. I was glad that he realized that today was not the time to get uppity about clean #boundaries and the importance of owning our own feelings. He listened. This time, He listened without interrupting; trying only to let me know that he loves me. I can see that he was in pain. I can see all he wanted to do for me today was to be there for me.  I was furious with him and he was not giving himself permission to defend himself. And I could see that he was hurting and that stopped me on my track.

I realized there are not too many people who would do what he was doing for me at that moment, I don't even know if I would be able to do it if I was in his place. That was when we reached out and held each other. Both of us were hurting, for different reasons, yet, we understood each other's hurt and all we wanted was to reach out and comfort the other.

I have always known that God has blessed with wonderful friends but sometimes I think I take them for granted. Today, I want to share with you what make my friends the most amazing people in the world. I remember sometimes ago reading something about friendship which says 'families are a gift from God; friends are a gift you give yourself.' I don't agree with that. Only God can put these amazing people in our lives.

I have learned that friendship, like a diamond, is hard and durable, yet if handled carelessly, can break into worthless pieces. Friendship must be cared for and nourished if it is to remain whole. Care and nourishment may take many forms, like texting, emailing, calling, visiting or/and speaking from one's heart and telling the other of the love that they inspire within us.

I have learned that friendship/relationships involve risk and it is after taking a risk and finding out that no harm will come that a deeper friendship grows. It involves work. Sometimes, it brings with it challenges and compromises, and it sometimes brings tears, but with the desire to carry out one's commitment with compassion and persistence, it is work worth doing, and deeper friendship and love is the reward. And I think the most valuable lesson I have learned is that love cannot go unexpressed. Signs of #love and #care must be demonstrated and words of love must be spoken if the #friendship is to continuously flow with vim and vigor.

I have been blessed with few close friends. These are the people (men and women) who reminds me every day why I am lucky to be alive, they are the ones who teach me about love. They give me acceptance, kindness, and grace that compel me to better myself. They stimulate my mind and my passion for life. They let me love them the way I want to and welcome all that I give them. They tirelessly show their love and enthusiasm for me. I have told them of my many #weaknesses and trespasses, and they have not retreated from me. I have revealed to them my fears, and they have comforted me. I don't know how I got lucky but I know I am.

I feel safe with them. They always see the best in me. They never asked me to prove myself to them. They take time with me. Even when they are upset with me, they are kind. They never attempt to #control me. Their #affection is soothing to me. When I am #irritable, they are forgiving. When I reach for them, they come closer. They have shown me grace in every turn. They have helped me to better understand myself. They have never tried to change who I am. They have enriched my life in ways I never imagined. They are careful with my tender spirit.

I thank God for them. For the person, I went off on today (you know who you are) I want to say thank you for loving me, even when I was being unreasonable and please #forgive me. For the rest of my friends, I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you, even, when I am not expressing it. I hope you know what each of you means to me. YOU ARE MY ANGELS!!!