The Girls

Since I was twelve, my life has been intertwined with those of five other remarkable women. We have literally grown up together and have somehow managed to stay friends...and not just friends, sisters.
Throughout high school these girls were my confidantes, each with a different take on any given problem,real or otherwise. They were also how I measured myself as a girl and then a woman. Comparing myself to theses girls I was quite frequently dissapointed in how I measured up. This was always only in my own mind, my girlfriends were not the kind from after-school t.v who made fun of their "friends" or turned on them when the wind changed. Ever since I have known these girls, now all grown up, they have accepted me as I am...however, or whoever I am at the time. I can only hope they feel i have done the same for them, as we are all very different from each other.
Megan, always elegant until we're all together, then she is loud and laughing and hilarious. She is always a steady voice in the many storms that come in and out of my life. Behind her usually calm exterior is a mind that is constantly ticking over, often with ideas about how I can meet a bloke and enjoy a great career, at the same time.
Kylie, always serene until we're all together, then she becomes loud and giggly and silly. she is always there for an extremely long talk, without needing to talk, letting me think things through. I have always loved being in her space, which is always warm and inviting and full of little treasures that are just "her".
Becky, always relaxed until we're all together, then she is loud and laughing and gossiping. She is always brutally honest and with such love it doesn't ever sting. A full day with her and the kids has become a much cherished luxury.
Tash, always refined until we're all together, and then she becomes loud and giggly and animated. She is always open to my many questions about her heritage, and answers with thought and honesty.
And lastly, Karina, always sophisticated until we're all together, then she becomes loud and laughing and funny. She is the one who sends books to me when things are hard and I have lost my way, without judgment, just love.
These are the five women I have grown up with, and continue to grow with. I am always astounded that they are still a part of my world and I of theirs. Perhaps the frequency of our gatherings has changed, perhaps our lives are travelling different roads, but somehow, we always manage to come together, as a touch stone to each other, a safe place to fall, or fly.
And for that, my dear friends, I say Thank You.