Noodles, This Is For You

Hubby and I spent an evening with Jimmy and his better half this week and had a great time as always. I've known Jimmy's wife since I was 8 years old -- 27 years -- longer than anyone else in my life. She is my best friend.

I miss her. I didn't realize how much I miss her until I saw her again the other night. Despite the fact that we live only 5 minutes from each other, we seldom find the time or opportunity to get together. Both of us have kids, work, are usually taking a class of some sort, and have our families that live nearby. Needless to say, spare time is a rare luxury for both of us.

It's been awhile since I've seen her. However, no matter how much time passes between our gatherings, we are able to pick up right where we last left off and as though we saw each other just yesterday. She is comfortable. Silence is comfortable with her. This is how I know she is my "soul mate" if you will -- we can sit in silence and not feel compelled to fill the space.

She has seen me in my darkest hour and has been with me in my brightest moments. She has laughed with me, cried with me, screamed with me, and dreamed with me. She understands my weaknesses and never exploits them. She knows my strengths and encourages me to follow my dreams. She knows secrets that no one else knows. I would trust her with my life and with the lives of my children.

I've always been honest with her, and she with me -- another indication of our true friendship. There are times, when I'm deep in the darkness of depression, that I avoid all others, including her. For that, I am sorry. In my heart, I know she is one of the few that could understand the abyss I find myself in at times and bring a touch of lightness to the dark. I love her for that. I love her for not pushing too hard and waiting until I'm ready to come around. I love her sense of patience, her faithfulness, her empathy, and her compassion.

She understands me. I truly believe that we are connected on some supernatural level because she will know what I am thinking without me having said a single word. We'll finish each other's sentences. When I am thinking of her, she will pick up the phone and call. When I need to hear from her the most, she reaches out. We've shared so much together and I cannot think of a single person that I would have rather spent my time with through the years.

So... Noodles, if you happen to come across this post one day, this is for you. Thank you for everything. I do love you so.