scenes from a block party: friendship

It has been one of those hard seasons in which the meaning of friendship 

has been near in my thoughts and heart. 

I have been blessed with many friends throughout my life, but over the last couple of years 

I have come to see that the truest of friends are those that walk with you down 

whatever road on which you happen to be. Especially the long, rough, and painful one.

Sometimes they sacrifice their needs and comfort for the sake of walking with you. 

There are no strings attached to this gift, nor to any of their other gifts for that matter.

They position themselves upon the ramparts like a watchman to guard over you.

They watch your back.

They are not concerned about their honor over yours.
Nor is their loyalty wrapped up in whether you succeed or fail.

They mourn when you mourn, hurt when you hurt, and rejoice when you rejoice.
Simply put: it is their joy to run with you.

The mark of a true friend is that when all others seem to have disappeared,
it is she that you find standing by your side.

And will do whatever it takes, travel over any terrain,
work through any issue, because Love is her motivator.