There You Are!

  No discussion of campfire/porch/patio time would be complete without bringing up Lena!  I've always had just a few close girlfriends.  Yes, there are lots of friends through church, and friends through kids sports, organizations, etc.  But, very few girlfriends that you can totally let down your guard with.  Someone who gives just as much to the friendship as they take.  A friend that you can sit and chat with, without having it feel like work, or that it's forced.  There is a comfort in having a similar history, knowing they won't judge, but support and guide.  Where laughter is easy and flows as freely as the bottle of wine that is being shared!  Although our friendship has only developed over the past 5 years or so, it feels as if we've been friends for so much longer. 
  Years ago, I had a friend that fit that description.  Life happens, and the friendship faded away.  But I really did mourn that loss for a long time.  No denying, my husband is great and is truly my best friend!  But a girl needs a friend she can "cackle" with!!
  Many a summer evening has been spent on Lena's patio, or in my breezeway, "cackling" (as my kids refer to it!) into the wee hours of the morning.  Therapy sessions!!  No topic goes untouched!
  I am fortunate to have other girlfriends that fit this description, but it was Lena who shared with me this...
"Some people walk into a room and say, 'Here I am!' While others walk into a room and say, 'There you are!' "

Lena, Kris, Me!