"Friendship" - for Ashley

Ashley "W" & her Daughter Leigha

FRIENDSHIP & love

As time goes by, you start to realize who your true friends are, and what they strive to get out of you as a person. I can safely say that besides my family, I have 3 really good friends, who i connect with on many levels, and have known for many years, and who actually care about me as a person.

Rebecca, Jo and Lisa, are pretty much the three true friends I have. Besides Ashley x2 (yes there are two of you) I think I have a rather impressive number of friends. They say you could how many true friends you have on one hand, and I have 5. Ashley "S" is funny, witty, intellectual, beautiful, even though she feels like shit right now she is still beautiful, courageous and strong. She, like myself, has undergone a Double Lung Transplant, and if we hadn't connected with one another, she might not be here today for me to talk to.

There is a special bond between us, one that only comes from uncertainty, fear and the unknown. As we went through our transplants, it's safe to say neither one of us knew if we ere going to come out of this one with a beating heart, and we did. Why, because we need to teach of what we have learned and what we will encounter as new people in society. True friends never doubt you, always include you and never, ever question your relationship with God. What we have is stronger than crazy glue, and more comforting then a hot glass of Cocoa on a cold frosty winter day. It's just something no one but us, will be able to understand.

Then there is Rebecca, Jo & Lisa, they have been around for it all, and will always be there no matter how much you want to take them by the scruff of the neck, and say "How are you still with me."

These are the true friends. I have known Lisa since we were 5 taking gymnastics together, and we didn't hang out as children, but now we do. Lisa has been there through it all, my worst and my best. Lisa holds a special place in my heart as one of those friends, you just meet, and just happen to get along with famously.

"We're like pees and carrots" - Jenny & Forrest

Rebecca & Jo, have been around since the dawn of time, for as long as I can remember they have always been there. even when they went to University, we still managed to keep in touch. Friends since the age of 5 or 6, and going strong. They have their own families to worry about, yet the still manage to keep me on their radar. Rebecca, came to see me when I had my transplant, before and after. Jo couldn't as she was on the other side of the country, but I knew she was there in spirit and prayer, and that's all that matters.

Ashley "W" is new in my circle. her and her daughter bring me laughter and surprise every day of my life, and I love them for it. Not only do they keep me on my toes, but it's a way for me to get out of my house, venture up some stairs, and be with someone who is non-judgmental and inquisitive about me. Asks how i feel all the time, and let's me vent when I need to, even when it's about my friends mentioned above. But not very often. Not to mention take Leigha, her daughter, away from her for while, we play all the time!

These are my friends, and I love them dearly. Family and spouses are a given, sometimes there are just things you need to keep with just the girls.

I love you all, and can't wait till we all talk again.

I love all my new CF friends too, don't get me wrong. I just have a special something with these people.