Steadfast and true

Girlfriends rally. They sit in waiting rooms with you and for you. They stand next to you. They witness vows. They love your children. They listen about falling in love, not finding love, and falling out of love. They know your talents and vices. They only want the best for you. They know when to push and when to back off. They know your favorite foods, how you take your coffee and which brand of beer you prefer.

They are a text or phone call away from a happy hour to listen to you bitch about your boss, or husband or responsibilities. They are there to celebrate new jobs, new kids, new chapters. They grieve with you. They send cards. They bring food. They gather around their own to raise them up, but only when it is time. Until then, they cry right along with you.

I love you, Emily.