One of my favorite definitions of the word friend is, one who listens, doesn’t judge, and somehow makes everything all right. Friends can be tricky though. Some come and go, some remain constant, and some are there just when you didn’t know you needed them.

This time home has been super challenging, for so many reasons. My patience has been tested (at all levels) and life as I once knew it has been altered. For how long? No one can really say, but I can say with 100% certainty that it will never be what it was.

I have had the pleasure of connecting with so many people over the last few months that I normally wouldn’t be connecting with. I have texted old friends, new friends, childhood friends, my hairdresser, my family, especially my dad (he hates texting), teachers, cousins, bus aides, doctors, old co-workers and neighbors. It’s insane the amount of messages I have on my phone from people who are just checking in with me, or me with them. This pandemic has brought out the good in so many and it’s nice to see that time away doesn’t really change most friendships. It simply puts them on a temporary hold.

I am typically not the person who completely writes anyone off, and I have always left the door open for communication should anyone need it. Knowing people care makes a difference. Knowing people are there for you if you need them provides a certain comfort. Everyone is going through their own stuff. Taking time for others is really something special.

That being said….I have a few special thank yous I want to share because it’s just never done enough. These are just a few of the people who have supported us these last few months.

Thank you to my husband for trying his best to listen to all I have to say when he first wakes up from his afternoon slumber. Truthfully I know he only retains half (if that) of the information, but the fact that he nods his head and lets me keep talking means a lot.

Thank you to my college roomies for making me laugh on a daily basis. Their correspondence provides me with just the right amount of adult time I need to keep sane. Knowing they are facing the same struggles I am, makes me believe I am not totally screwing things up. I am counting down the days until I can see them in person.

Thank you to my sweetest high school friend who called me on the phone to chat, and forty five minutes later my cheeks were hurting from all the laughter. She has so much going on in her own life and is battling each and every day. She went for a walk and thought of me. I will forever be grateful for her friendship and constant thoughtfulness. It’s unwavering.

Thank you to the crazy and wacky mama who I have texted often with questions regarding Ella and her struggles. This is a woman with years of knowledge and experience to help guide me down the path of unknowns. She is responsive and attentive and doesn’t sugar coat one damn thing, which is exactly what I need, and love the most about her. She is truly amazing, and I only hope I can be half the mom to Ella that she is to her special needs babe. Thank you for entertaining my ridiculous question about poop.

Thank you to the long and short distance friends who call or text to make sure we are surviving during this quarantine. To those who drop things off, or send me links of things to buy online when they come in stock, you are the best. To my neighbor who is made my entire family masks, we are so very grateful.

Of course, a special thank you to my mom and sister. Where would I be without their group texts? My life would be lacking inspirational quotes and pictures, as well as recipes and games, that I have no time to make myself. It’s nice to hear from them and keep updated on how many rolls of toilet paper they have (jk). Life wouldn’t be the same without those daily group messages and FaceTime calls.

To my in-laws who have sent food to Ella, Easter baskets for the kids, and all their love from North Carolina, thank you. The kids have needed to see familiar faces via FaceTime. Looking at me all day long can’t be good for anyone. It’s almost as though you were here.

We have an amazing support group getting us through each day. It’s been said that one should count their blessings often. Sometimes we all just need to be reminded.