Lifelong Friendships - The things I didn’t realize back then ~

A few weeks ago I was able to spend some time with some good friends. These are not just any friends, but friends I have had for a lifetime. From my right to left I’ve known these ladies since kindergarten, 7th grade and 3rd grade. We have literally grown up together and have remained friends ever since.

The special thing about this is we now are able to watch each other’s families grow. We were gathered together that weekend to celebrate and send off our friend (the one on my farthest left) in marriage. She is preparing for a Destination Wedding. I’m holding her precious little girl who entered the world just 3 months ago.

It hasn’t always been the best between us. There were periods where we would fight, argue, disown each other as friends, gave each other the silent treatment and there were some years after high school that I didn’t speak to two of them at all. I had so many expectations of them and thought I knew it all. I was one who was ran by my emotions and once I had my mind made up it was curtains. There was no changing my mind or how I felt. I guess that’s why they call it growing pains because as I learned about how life works I experienced a lot of disappointment and hurt along the way.

I used to think if I didn’t know every single thing that was going on in their lives they didn’t deem me as a close friend. I would get so upset if I heard news about them from other people before hearing it from them. I basically shared everything with them about my life, personal and all and expected the same in return. I had so many unrealistic expectations of friendship it was ridiculous.

As an adult I now know you don’t have to be in the same city as someone, call them every week, share every moment of your life with them, know all of their personal business, be invited to every event or be their only friend in order to call someone a friend. When we all went our separate ways after high school and started our adult journeys there were times I thought to myself

well I guess we’re not friends any more since we haven’t talked in so long...

That was so not true. I was just having a hard time because I was so used to seeing them almost everyday and it was hard for me when things changed. As you venture through life you meet new people along the way and create new relationships. This is something we all did, we met new people and new friendships were formed. That still doesn’t mean your old friendships are tossed out the window. We tend to get close to those that we surround ourselves with on a daily basis...that’s normal. As they shared with me about their new found friendships a part of me was jealous but at the same time I was happy for them. We have all admitted to each other about getting jealous from time to time but such is life.

Although I hate to admit it I was a bit possessive over my close friends. I felt I had special privileges or honors because I knew them for so long. I had no right being that way and at times I know I put strains on our friendship because of it. I am so glad that now, as adults we can look back on those times and laugh and continue to love on each other as we celebrate life and family.

~Varsity Cheerleaders Sophomore Year~

Life is just way too short to hold grudges. If I would have held on to some of my petty frustrations or continued to think the way I did I wouldn’t be enjoying this time celebrating new beginnings with my friends. Some friendships may only be for a season. Sometimes people pass through our lives for a reason but only for a moment. If you have been blessed to have lifelong friendships cherish them while they are here. Tell them you love them while you still have the chance and enjoy every moment with them that you have. ❤️

Thanks for Listening :)

All pictures are my own and were taken with my iPhone 7.

Logo/Banner created by @rigaronib!