Friends

It's snowing again. Why Minnesota? Why? It's March! It is time for Spring. Let us have some fun in the sun...

But alas, I am and have been in Minnesota for 8 years. Complaining about snow here is like complaining about needing to go to the bathroom after chugging down 6 glasses of water in one sitting.

Despite the snow, I actually had a wonder-filled Sunday. This afternoon, I had the chance to sing with 11 very talented young singers in an opera workshop. And then, I sang in a rehearsal for a benefit concert next Sunday. And then, I went out for dinner with two wonderful sopranos who also happen to be two of my most beloved girl friends.

Dinner turned into a 4 hours conversation. Somewhere in between all of those important and not so important conversation topics, it became clear to me how fortunate I am to have these two good and trustworthy friends. Friends that you can share everything with. Friends that you can count on. Friends that will love you no matter what.

You see, I've always had a hard time cherishing friendships growing up. I've always been a very strong willed, jealous, competitive, sensitive, self conscious, opinionated or judgmental, stubborn and out there personality. And let's not forget to include the artists temperament on top of that whole she-bang. YES, it's been very difficult for me to cultivate and develop a genuine friendship ever since I can remember.

Not till recently, I'd never known how liberating it can be to have a real friend. To completely trust the person on the other side of the line. To laugh, cry, hug, joke and giggle, to protect and be protected, to comfort and be comforted, to show your ugly-ful as well as your beauty-ful side...The phrase "I got you're back" actually means "I will be here to catch you when you fall no matter what."

Then I thought, "Wow, it took 2 decades of my life to finally find a friend."
It really isn't that surprising after all. Life is currently taking a turn.
I am just beginning to let my hair down and learn not to micromanage all parts of my life.
Can it be that I've been micro managing my relationships this entire time?

I have not loved life for what it is.
I have not loved people for who they are.
I have not loved my friends.
I have not loved myself.

So much to learn and a lot more life to live.
I'm just lucky to have friends who have decided to love me way before I did.
Thank you, friends. Yeah, you! Thank you...