A Friend for All Seasons

In kindergarten, your idea of a good friend was the person who let you have her red crayon when all that was left was the ugly black one.

In the first year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who went to the bathroom with you and held your hand as you walked through the scary halls.

In the second year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you stand up to the class bully.

In the third year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who shared her lunch with you because you'd left yours on the bus.

In the fourth year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who was willing to switch partners in the science lab so you wouldn't have to be stuck with Nasty Nick or Smelly Susan.

In the fifth year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who saved a seat at the back of the bus for you.

In the sixth year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who went up to your new crush and asked him to dance with you, so that if he said no, you wouldn't be embarrassed.

In the seventh year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who let you copy the Moral Studies homework the night before that you had to hand it in.

In the eighth year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pack up your stuffed animals and old toys, but didn't laugh at you when you finished and broke into tears.

In the ninth year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who would accompany you to a party thrown by a senior so you wouldn't be the only junior there.

In the 10th year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who changed her schedule so you would have someone to sit with at lunch.

In the 11th year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who gave you rides in her new car, convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded, consoled you when you broke up with your beau, and found you a date to the prom.

In the 12th year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pick out a college/university, assured you that you would get a place there; and helped you deal with your parents, who were having a hard time letting you go.

At graduation, your idea of a good friend was the person who was crying on the inside but managed the biggest smile one could give as she congratulated you.

At the end-of-year party after the 12th year of school, your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you clean up the house; assured you that now that you and your beau were back together, you could make it through anything; helped you pack up for university and silently hugged you as you looked through blurry eyes at the 18 years of memories you were leaving behind; then sent you off to college knowing you were loved.

Now, your idea of a good friend is still the person who gives you the better of two choices; hold your hand when you're scared; helps you fight off those who try to take advantage of you; thinks of you at times when you're not there; reminds you of what you have forgotten; helps you put the past behind you but understands when you need to hold on to it a little longer; stays with you so that you will have confidence; goes out of her way to make time for you; helps you clear up your mistakes; smiles for you even when she is sad; helps you become a better person; and, most importantly, loves you!

Sent to Starmag by Charmed