A friend is something I never had the first 54 years of my life but have been blessed to be surrounded by many these last few years of my life after settling in my NEW WORLD 2100 miles away from where I was born, raised & lived those 54 years of my life.

I have come to realize that a REAL FRIEND is someone you emotionally connect with. Someone you have a lot in common with, especially core values. It's someone who feels safe sharing their thoughts, heart/emotions/feelings with you & who you feel safe being able to share yours. Someone you accept & accepts you & all the little quirks without it messing up the relationship. It's someone that even though there are differences of opinion & disagreements they can be worked through & respect & caring grows rather than diminishes. A friend is someone you really enjoy doing things with & being with & feel better afterward. A friend is someone who is there for you & you are there for them without even being asked. Who makes time for each other even when a busy schedule, who you support each others activities with interest when not what they/you are involved in the activity. They are exactly what we expect family to be like but are always disappointed in. Friendship is a 2 way street so we need to be who & what they need