Nora has a "best friend." A sweet little brunette named Kamryn who can kick a soccer ball, twirl her hair, and suck her thumb at the same time. Because she lives across the street, Nora spends an awful lot of time looking to see if Kamryn's blinds are open so that she knows that she's awake and ready to play. And boy do they play. But they also know how to fight and have their own little 4 year old knock down drag outs. Oh the joys and hardships on the road to friendship.
I think of the many girlfriends I've been blessed to know and how my life has been changed by so many. The friend who was with me the night I first kissed a boy and giggled with me for hours into the night. The friend who could do a lovely french braid and made sure my hair was tightly braided one last time before my first dose of chemotherapy. Another friend (now a pharmacist...big surprise) who helped to administer doses of chemo in my college dorm room and made me feel like it was cool instead of a nuisance. Friends who shared an amazing summer in England who helped me figure out who I was in the days after my remission. The women who helped me navigate graduate school and sat with me for hours learning neuro anatomy. The dear friend who was with me through my first heartbreak who also drove for hours to be by my side in the days after I was put on bed rest with Emilia. All of the women that helped me get to know DC as I set off on my own in a new city and made my days at work interesting and fun. And without one friend I think I may not have survived the dark postpartum days where I cried constantly and felt like I must be the worst mother possible. Then lately the neighbor who has become a constant companion, friend, and confidant. All of the lovely women who have held my hand, listened to a secret, done a favor, taught me to breastfeed, recommended a pediatrician, shared a glass (or bottle) of wine, joined me on a walk, loaned me a dress, or have loved my children. For all of those women I am beyond grateful.
But I also think about the lonely days my girls will face when a girl refuses to sit with them in the cafeteria or a friend tells the secrets they thought were safe. The sadness of outgrowing a friendship and the bitter words that can hurt so much more than the boo boos I fix with my kit of of princess band aids. How I wish I could protect them from the pain I know is coming and that they learn to follow the Golden Rule and protect and cherish the friends around them. I know as they get older their friendships will become more complicated and these talks are on the way. But for now as I watch Nora with Kamryn I marvel at the simple joy of a walk on a summer night with a "best friend."
