A Good Friend

Christianne and I have known each other since our earliest days in college, but it wasn't until a few years after we had graduated (and reconnected through blogging -- what else??) that a close friendship developed. Despite the geographical distance separating us (she in Florida, me in Washington), she would be the person I called with my good news or when I felt like things were falling apart. And since then, she has been one I count as a soul-friend: someone who gets me, who has seen me at my messiest, and who has continued to love me through it all.

me & my friend (04 November 2010)

She arrived on Tuesday solely for the purpose of offering her presence.

Our time together passed far too quickly, but it was such a gift to have her here. Just having her here was healing for me -- whether we were giggling or laughing hysterically, or just letting her hold my hand while I cried. There was no agenda, no schedule -- just time left wide open for whatever it needed to be.

She has such a gift for listening sincerely and intently, for just being present without a need to say anything, for letting the questions be questions. And she's a really good person to get goofy and laugh with, also.

It was an incredible gift of love that brought her here, and a gift to both of us to have her here. Much love to you, my friend. So much love!