friends of the heart.

when I was in college I took a class called "Relationships".

the context of the class was how to build, nourish and handle relationships in our lives.

both romantic relationships and friend-ships.

there was a day where we talked about there being two different kinds of "friends" in our lives.

friends of the road.

and.

friends of the heart.

friends of the road are those that are on the same "road" as you are.

this may be college, church, family, or the season you happen to be in.

you connect with them, 

you spend a lot of time together,

you share memories,

but when your roads turn different directions your journey comes to an end.

you begin to lose touch,

your maintenance of the relationship isn't the same.

but then there are friends of the heart.

your connect deeply with these friends,

it is like falling in love at first sight,

except with a friend.

even when your journeys take different paths there remains a connection.

these friends live in your heart.

they have touched your life in a way that you will be different because of knowing them.

these friends are precious gems.

i have been extremely blessed as i have evaluated the friendships in my life.

my friends of the road are many, 

but my friends of the heart are also many.

when I was home I got to spend time with a few of them.

they are my precious gems.

they have lived life with me,

know my heart,

and what is best for me.

we laugh until we cry,

we challenge one another,

and continue to encourage even when the job market is lacking.

we share our insecurities,

our joys & desires,

and wish to "someday" live closer.

each and every one of you is absolutely beautiful to me.

inside and out.

thank you for all the memories, minutes, and love.