Forever Friends

I have a friend named Ronda. We've been best friends for 22 years. I met her in my 10th grade Creative Writing class (2nd period). We also had World History (3rd period) together that year. Those 2 classes, several football games, many sleepovers, and her need for a friend to drive around once she got her license sealed the deal. Our common interests began with poetry, creative writing and journalism...but we soon learned we both loved football, movies and laughing (mostly at other people). We were a holy terror when she got her Mustang, and I turned 16 at the beach with her and her family. She was the only one I was allowed to spend the night with on a school night (because according to my parents, Ronda had good sense and did no wrong). We skipped school together, played pranks with donuts (don't ask) and piled up a lot of great memories (which we dubbed "Remember Whens").

Throughout the years, both out lives have changed. We both married (her once, me twice), she has 2 of the most well-behaved (but fun to hang out with) kids, and I moved two hours away (for 7 years) and then back again. She shared her life with me...her friends...her vacations. We've been to the beach too many times to count, Disney World, and we're still planning more trips. She was the maid of honor at my first wedding...and I played games and drank punch at her baby shower. I've watched her kids grow up and seen her oldest one almost reach the age she and I were when we first met. My...how time flies.

We haven't talked every day for 22 years. We haven't even talked once a month. There have been times when life got busy and moved on and we struggled to find time to reconnect. But we always did. And when we finally caught up with each other, it was magic...like time had never passed. We just talked and talked and filled each other in, and once we were up to date we went on like we always have. She and I just click like that...time apart has never mattered.

That's the thing about a "forever friend". They're always there, even when they're not actually right there. They know you and love you. They understand when your life gets busy, and they never judge you for it. They will always be your friend, even if you don't talk everyday. And once you do finally connect again, it's like no time has passed and you've been together all the time.

Advice to Myself

1. When things are perfect, let them be perfect. Don't be so worried about "the calm before the storm". Enjoy the moment and whatever wonderful feeling you're getting from it.
2. Focus on everything you do have instead of what you don't have. So many people would be happy and content with half of what you have...you should be thankful for EVERYTHING you've been blessed with.
3. Don't forget where you came from. You've been gone from where you grew up for a long time. They say some things never change...feel lucky that your hometown is one of them. They say you can't go back home...but you did. Be proud of this place...it made you who you are.
4. Family is forever. They may get on your nerves, you may lose touch, they may not agree with everything you do. But God blessed you with them. Regardless of what happens, you're SO LUCKY to have the family you have. They're the ones who gave you memories, traditions, and your name.
5. Some days are better than others. Today may suck...sometimes that's just the way it is. It's called life. But tomorrow may be better. If it's not, the next day will be. When you're having a bad day, just be glad for it...it's what helps you know a good day when you have one.
6. Friends who stick by you are priceless. You'll never be able to verbalize how much they mean to you (and they may not even want you to), but be there for them when they need you, just like they were there for you.
7. Laugh every chance you get. It's good for you. Find the humor in things, because in the end most things don't really matter. Take every opportunity to laugh until you cry...and if you can share that with someone you love, that's even better.
8. Never miss a chance to tell someone how you feel about them. You're so worried about being "mushy". Don't. Go ahead and tell them how you feel...you may not get another chance.
9. Give your heart freely. If someone breaks it, thank the good Lord you can still feel. If they don't break it, enjoy the love you receive in return.
10. Smile at strangers. It's so much nicer to see a smile than a scowl. If you are in the mood to make faces at people, it might as well be a smiley face.
11. Don't be afraid. The good Lord, your family and your friends are one big safety net. They won't let you fall far.
12. Don't ever give up. You'll get there...you just have to keep trying or change your course. Changing your course doesn't equal giving up, it just means you've learned what not to do.
13. Your time is the greatest gift you can give. Money can't buy quality time with someone, and it can't buy memories either. Memories require time, so give a little.
14. Be silly. Maturity is overrated. Always be responsible and act like you have good sense, but have some fun doing it!
15. Keep your promises. Integrity is important. Do what you say you'll do...trust must be earned.
16. Give yourself advice when you need it. :)