In the past few weeks things have been become a bit more difficult, with drama and the losing of one my closest friend, Claudia. Not in the sense that she past way, more in the sense that that we can no longer just be friends; she wanted more. Sadly, I am in no position to be able to give more than my friendship.

That said, I am thankful for the bad. Yes, I truly am. Because of these situations I have been able to reflect and come to know whom I am and who are my true friends.

As we start our time of the holidays, where we gather with friends, family and loved ones. I hope we reflect not only on the good but also in the bad. For those are the times we show whom we really are. Where the vulnerability and brokenness is visible. The facades are cast aside, and we reveal our true selves. Sadly, some walk away during those times and then we cherish those that stay even more.

I am grateful and thankful for those that have stayed and those whom have walked away, for it helps me become the person I am suppose to be.

Thank you for your support. And believe me when I say this, you are more than just friends, you’re family. We might not be able to spend a lot of time together but when we do, I treasure it that much more.

family |ˈfam(ə)lē|
noun ( pl. -lies)
1 [treated as sing. or pl. ] a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household.
• a group of people related to one another by blood or marriage : friends and family can provide support.
• the children of a person or couple : she has the sole responsibility for a large family.
• a person or people related to one and so to be treated with a special loyalty or intimacy : I could not turn him away, for he was family.