Friends... the delicate balance between friends and growing up

Ok, so this is a topic I have deliberated long and hard about, especially the last couple of years.
We all have friends, it's just the value of the friends that matter, we all have great best friends we consider like family, we have friends who we care about, we have the friends that you would and do anything for, but amazingly they are nowhere to be seen when it's you that is in need and then there's friends that you are no longer friends with, for whatever reason.

I have found it astonishing the way friendships change, and more to the point, how people change. Some for the good some for the bad... a good way to know how true a friend you have, is to have a baby... you know the friend who you used to spend all your time with, but once you are up the duff is no where in sight... then the baby is born, and they come to see you and have a gawk at the little person and then once your new life as Mummy starts, they again vanish into the distance... and your left wondering why? But eventually you work out the answer to the why question is simple, they were in your life on their terms, when they needed you, but not when you needed them...

Then come the other friends, some old, some new, the ones you know will ALWAYS be there, no matter what, no matter why, no matter when.. the ones who when you do have a moment to get together just love to be in your company, the ones who when you've got a toddler who has been up screaming all night will listen to you whine, understand what you are going through, and just offer an ear to vent or cry to.. the ones you know you can tell absolutely anything and they won't judge you, or turn their backs.... these are true friends... I can count on one hand who they are for me, they know who they are, and I would not be the person I am today without them, but then that bring me back to other friends, the ones who weren't really friends, and the ones who are no longer in our lives, they also have made me who I am today, whether it's the memories of "good 'ol days" or by realising that they weren't mean to be in my life, they have all shaped who I am, and I will, no matter how these friendships stand these days, treasure the good times forever.

But to the ones who are in my life today, I love you, and you know you can always count on me.

Now, I am off to roll around and wrestle on the floor with the monkey child!
xxxx