She texts me early, before I’ve even applied makeup or dried my hair: I’m stopping to get Starbucks, then headed home. Come over. Thirty minutes later, we’re sipping lattes, remembering her mother, discussing our children, watching funny clips of Ellen, comparing results from personality tests, and strolling through photos. Two hours pass too quickly, and we wish we could hang out on her sofa the remainder of the day. Nevertheless, we go our separate ways to finish the day’s tasks. My heart is full, and my burdens lighter.

* * * * *

She arrives before me and waits at a table. I show up with a million words ready to tumble out. The waitress walks over and asks if we want Chicken Panang. She remembers us. We laugh at how we both order the same entree every time. As the waitress moves on to the next table, I spill all the words I’ve been holding in. It’s funny I have all these words because we’ve already texted, as well as chatted on the phone earlier in the day. An hour later, my stomach is full, and I’m emptied of words.

* * * * *

These are the two people I can call day or night. They are the women with whom I’ve taken down my walls and never had to rebuild them. They know me…good, bad and ugly. They bring much laughter and joy into my life. When necessary, they speak hard truths in the most loving and gentle ways. They’ve shared my tears, wrapped me in hugs and brought many smiles to my face. They are grace to me in the most extraordinary ways.

I’m beyond thankful for these two very treasured friends God brought into my life. I’m a better person because they choose to love me.