Friends.....how many of us have them?

Hopefully, you too have that Whodini song stuck in your head like me.

My friends.....wow, I really have some of the best friends in the world. And I'm not just saying that for sake of posting in my blog. I really truly mean that. I really never thought I'd have friends like I do, because I'm anti-social and a little bit stuck up (I know my sister is like "hell yeah").

We moved around a lot when I was growing up, so I never got the chance to really make friends with people because either we were moving or they moved. By the time I made it to high school, I was so standoffish that I never really approached people and my close group of friends was literally 3 or 4. And they were all in the band...I would've never been caught hanging out with non-band folks, seriously. That just shows you how stuck up I was in high school.

But then....college happened. I started out at UTC and immediately became friends with people that weren't in the band. I actually started hanging out and kicking it. But UTC was too small of a school for me and I really missed home, so I transferred to U of M. This is where things really took off!!

I was accepted into my sorority, Zeta Phi Beta and immediately had close friends not only in my sorority, but also with the men of Phi Beta Sigma. There were people that I met and instantly had things in common with , just because I was a part of a greek letter organization. We were a small population at the U of M and did so many activities together, it was hard not to become friends with so many people. But then something changed....I got married and pregnant and I was back in my own little world for a while.

During this transition time from "kicking it" Melody and "mommy" Melody, there have been a few people that have been right there by my side. My sister, of course. She's really my homie. I love, love, love this girl. And for us, the fact that we're really, truly friends now....says a lot. That'll be another posting at a later date.

My friends from high school - Khayree and Candi. These two nutcases...well, I guess I make three with them. I love these two to pieces. I'd stick up for them in a heartbeat. They are some of the best people you could ever know. They know me when I'm sincere and when I'm full of it and aren't afraid to call me on my BS. I wish I saw them more often, but God has a way of putting people right where they need to be when they need to be there.

My frat brother Gerald - this guy...this guy...this guy. Man...he's been there for me. If I ever need a man's point of view about something, he's right there (and usually correct). He has such a good heart and is such a good person. When we met, he was this scrawny little freshman that somehow ended up riding with me to Austin Peay for a stepshow. I was like "who the heck is this little kid?" And we were joined at the hip from that point on. He was frick to my frack in college. We've had a ton of great times together and I'm so happy of the man that he is to this day. I'm almost certain that some of my advice has helped over the years. LOL!!

My dawg Susan (I'm singing Atomic Dog in my head right now...if she's reading this, she's dancing like a Que) - this chick is indescribable. We've been through EVERYTHING together...cried, laughed, cursed, danced...and all in the span of 5 minutes. I can't even find the words to really express how much her friendship means to me. She's more than a friend...she's like my sister. She's my sister-friend. Let me stop before I cry.
**sniff, sniff**

My chica Tory - what can I say about this girl. From the moment I met her, I just knew we wouldn't be friends. I can say that about most people that I'm friends with. But this girl....she's a walking fashion display. She's the only person I know that accessorizes everything. She's flawless. She's got the perfect shoe, earring, necklace, belt...for any occasion. She's also got some of the greatest listening ears that I've ever met. This girl has listened to countless stories, dramas and situations that I've confided in her and she never judges me. Now she does give a mean "girl...don't you believe dat" face...but she listens. She's funny, smart and beautiful and a blessing in my life.

Its funny that when you really start looking over your life and all of the people in it, you really see that you're truly blessed. There are some friends that I didn't go in depth about for whatever reason. It doesn't mean that they're not as special as the others, these people were just close to my heart right now. And then....I have a shitty memory and I'm sure that I'll hit "Publish Post" and be like....damn...I forgot so-and-so. So for that...I have an honorable mention section. Those folks that I'm just now thinking about are "Shawna, Drew, Janese, Jezelle, Whitney and countless of other people"

I love each and every one of my friends. They really mean the world to me. I know that if I needed anything, if I were in pain, if I needed to cry, if I needed to laugh...I could pick up my phone and text or IM or BBM or facebook or whatever and they'd be right there.

To have friends...you must first be a friend.

Love and light

vintageMelody