by Hellen Wyeth

Created on: October 30, 2008

Best friends are more than just friends, they are family. Friends come and go, but family never leaves.

Through ups and downs in life, mine have been by my side. All the horrible relationships, they were there. At their choice, they would pretend to like my boyfriends when they couldn't stand them to be in the same room. When the relationships went bad as predicted they would, they were right there on the phone and not once ever saying "I told you so."

We have shared everything we possess, tears included. Our shoulders belong to each other no matter how late at night or how busy we are at work. With some beer or good wine, we let the tears flow.

Spending time together never increases or decreases according to my financial loss or gain. As a matter of fact, the tough times are when they are there more. The second they know what is going on they come right over and do what they can. When my cupboards were bare, they filled them with food. When I needed a place to stay, their couch was my bed. I never even had to ask. It was never a question.

Life is an adventure and my friends are my traveling companions. We have discovered so many worldly lessons side by side. Together we've seen the paths both frequently and less traveled and learned them very well. I just wish that one of us would have thought to make a map or take note of landmarks. You can only do so much traveling before you start to forget bits and pieces warning of impending danger.

No one is perfect especially me. I have never been perfect at anything but neither have my friends. Secretly we make fun of the ones who think they are. Our imperfections are the glue holding our pieces together. We can set our mind to something and the support will always be there. It doesn't matter how stupid or foolish it may be.

Without my best friends I don't know where I would be. They are a big part of my world and daily routine. Both are on speed dial on my home and cell phone. When I pick up the phone, they are the first calls I make. My daughter's first steps, first word, first anything, they new within seconds. A new job or promotion it's them celebrating with me.

Through all the various roller coasters in life, I don't think I could have ever learned to enjoy the ride without them by my side. To Violet and Davie, I love you vey much. Here's to the rough times and the good times. Let's just hope at this point in our lives we have more good than bad. If not, my couch is your couch!

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