Today’s quote of the day is “The language of friendship is not words, but meanings” by Henry David Thoreau.

Over the years, I have learned that my closest friends are not just my friends, they are my family.  They have been there for me during the darkest days, giving me nothing but love and support.  They have stood by my side during all of the Endometriosis craziness.  They have listened to my rants and emotional breakdowns.  They encouraged me to keep moving forward when it seemed like I was stuck.  They have given me a place to stay when I had no where else to go.  They have helped me move over and over again.  They have given me advice when I was stuck in Libra mode.

They have cheered me up with a hug, a smile, a photo safari, a trip to Disneyland, and a simple “I love you, Kel.”

There is this one commercial that I think speaks volumes.  There is a teenager at her computer talking about how she has 500 Facebook friends and she is worried that her parents only have 9 friends.  Then it cuts to the parents out and about with those friends, traveling, bike riding, etc.  I keep telling my students that when it comes to friendship, it is not about quantity it is about quality.  When my students tell me that I should join Google+ so I can watch movies online with my friends, I can’t help but give them a look and feel sorry for their generation.  I tell them that I don’t want to watch movies or play games with my friends online.  I pause as they gasp.  I tell them that I would rather go out to the movies with my friends or have a game night at someone’s house. I want to hear their voice on the other end of the phone or live in person, not read their texts or Facebook/Twitter posts.  I want to physically be in the presence of my closest friends.  It’s not comforting to hug a computer.

And there is also a difference between a “friend” and a “true friend.”  You can be friends with hundreds of people but it is your true friends who matter the most.  The ones who are your extended family.  The first ones you call when anything good or bad happens. The ones who know all of your issues but still love you anyways.  They are loyal, supportive, and loving.

So to my closest friends (you know who you are), I love you and I am beyond grateful to have you guys in my life!