There was a time in my life that I didn't have any close friends. My circle included family of my own and that of my ex. I really didn't have anyone that I could call up and cry on their shoulder. It turns out it is something that I needed more than I ever realized. If I had not been without them, I would not have realized how important friendship is and how much they are needed in my life.

It is not that I have a huge group of friends now. I have plenty of people that I talk to and am acquainted with those however are different than my best friends. The friendships didn't happen all at once. They came on slowly and developed over time and grew from there. It started with two of us and then grew into a small group of close friends. Time and understanding helped us grow a friendship that has now lasted longer than some of our children's lifetimes so far.

This small group of women has seen me through so many things in my life. They stood with me in court when I went through my divorce. They danced with me at my wedding. They supported me when I started school again, encouraged me when I went for my Masters. They have been there every step of the way and I couldn't do life without them.

In my group, each person is special in their own way. We have the mom of the group. She is the one who makes sure that everyone is fed and watered. She always has water bottles on hand for hydration. If there is an activity that we are going to she always has snacks on hand.

We have the comedian. I can tell you that she should be doing standup and she would make so much more money than being a teacher. Maybe it's because she is a teacher she has to have a great sense of humor. She always leaves us in stitches because she is so funny.

We have the brain. I consider myself smart, but this lady got A's in science. That takes a whole different kind of brain power. She is brilliant and always wowing us with stories of the lab.

These ladies have been a staple in my life. I have learned the older you get the harder it is to make new friends. There are those that you will find in your life that will stay. I have other friends who have been in my life since I was a teenager that we still keep in touch. They are important too.

No matter when or where you meet your friends the most important thing is to keep the ones that make your life better. We all need friends. I love my husband dearly, but there are times when I need to get out with the girls. It doesn't make me love him less, but a good group of close friends brings balance to your life. They help bring perspective. They give great ideas on what they have done in life and how you can do it differently or better, or maybe even not at all. My friends are like sisters to me. We do not share the same bloodline, but they are my family. Ladies, you rock!