My grandmother and mother told my sister and me that if we could count our true friends on one hand that we are blessed.

Growing up, I thought my childhood best friend was the one that would stick by my side through all of the ups and downs life throws at me and vice versa for her that she would be the one to tell about my first kiss, first boyfriend, first heartbreak, graduating from high school and college, my engagement, wedding day, my children born, but everyone knows that the plans you make as young child never works out. That they were the one person other than my family that would be in every memory and story I have.

I was always told that people were going to be in your life for either a season or a lifetime and that whichever one that person falls into I would have be okay with the outcome and learn how to be okay with ever they fall into.

To say that I have had a few friends fall, well more than I like to say, in both categories over the years. I know that we have all had friends who were there when we needed them, the ones that are there when they need you but not when you need them, the ones that fight every battle alongside you, the ones that you can go weeks without contact but when do it’s like no time has passed, etc. The list can go on and on but one thing is for sure is that every friendship was meant to happen and molded you into who you are today.

A season friendship is one that you specifically needed during that time in your life. They were the ones that were placed right in the time that they were meant to be but when that time has passed they tend to fade out since their time is up and their purpose is fulfilled. This type of friend is the hardest to figure out due to every friendship you put one hundred and ten percent in them only to leave you after a while. It took me many years to finally come to terms about this type of friend and learn to appreciate the time and friendship you two share. A season friend is one that you should hold dear to you because they helped you through that rough patch and/or were there when they were supposed to be.

A lifetime friend is the type that will go through every mountain and valley you go through life. They are the ones that you can go to whenever you need them to either have a cry, go out with, talk about life, or just have a movie night. This type of friend you know that they are the ones that will always be there no matter how ugly life can get and stick by you. This friend is the one that I was always told about growing up and to say that I have found my lifetime friends already in my life is one lucky thing to say. I thank God everyday for the friends that I have that fall under this category because they are ones that will be my maid of honor and bridesmaids at my wedding, the godmother to my children, the ones that will go on vacations with, and the list goes on. They all are the ones that be in the stories I tell my children and grandchildren about because without their friendship I wouldn't be who I am and who I will become.

To every friendship that we have in our life is one to be thankful for no matter the type you were meant to meet them, learn, and grow from the time. Just remember to treasure them and the memories you make together.