Remember I mentioned I picked up a gift for Erika this weekend? Well I was doubly glad I went with my gut instinct when I got to work and heard about this. I let her finish venting and then whipped them out. Well I'll be darned if she didn't put her new froggy socks on right then and there. She declared them her official "kick butt" socks for when she has a battle to fight.
Last year I started trying to bring back elements in my life the used to make me happy. I started reading again and writing poetry. I also decided to try to be a better friend. I discovered that I love being someone's friend. The return on the investment is more than I could express in words. So when you get the feeling to do something for someone else, be it buying a card, a treat, or a little gift, do it. When she does it for me, I truly appreciate her thoughtfulness and it makes my day happy. Do we really need any other reason than that?
If you permit me, I would like to share something else too. Right after Erika & Jay's wedding, a poem about our friendship came to me. Here it is:

Inside Passage

Moved through life not empty, not looking, not knowing I could be so much more me.
I spoke my truth, used my voice.
Now I know my truth and have heard my voice.

Everything changed viewed through the filter of you -

Secret language through our eyes
Finish sentences
Simultaneous giggles, sixth grade-like private jokes.

When I see me through your eyes:
I’m smarter, stronger, beautiful, more confident, more woman.
I’m a teacher, a comforter, a champion, a true friend.

Never content to go back to before
My reflection now permanent
Recording your legacy in my books of poems.