I have a handful of friends. Less than a handful, really. My very best friend, M, plays different roles. She changes, as needed, depending on my mood or what is going on in my life. She is my rock, my mother, my sister, my friend, my daughter, my soul...the other half of me in female form. She feels my hurts as if they were her own. She can feel my aches from thousands of miles away. Strange, I know. But true, nonetheless.

M has had her work cut out for her the last 5 months. Our friend, S, died while serving his country in Iraq. I have not been the same. M has had to pick me up off the floor and keep me away from the bottle numerous times. She has stayed around when everyone else has walked away. I don't know why but I thank God that she's in my life.