That's what friends are for.

They make you smile when you feel like crying.

And when you do cry (while wiping your eyes with your hands, because you never remember to carry Kleenex), a friend quietly gives you a handful of soft tissues.

They share a history, and forgive the follies of your youth, as if some of it never happened. But they remember the good parts. And remind you of them.

They share some of the same joys as you, but have hobbies that are unique enough as to keep it all interesting.

They sometimes call on a random day just to check in.

They email you on 'milestone days'- whether big or small, they think of you. Because even though some of the milestones may seem small, they know the small ones feel big to you while you're in them.

They care enough to listen, and smile, and ask questions. (Even if you're boring them to no end.)

And even when both of you get busy, and the conversations aren't as frequent, or the emails not as prevalent, you just know that things are okay. That they're still them, and you're still you. And everything is good. Because when it comes down to it, you just know that they think of you, and you think of them. Everything is good.

They have joys and deep sorrows of their own, and love and lives of their own. But they care about you in the midst of it all. And even though they're the better friend in the relationship, they still love you. Because that's what friends are for.

So today, I am thankful for my friends.

I am thankful for chocolate.

And I am especially thankful for friends who bring me chocolate.

After all, that's what friends are for.

"True friends are always together in spirit."

(Anne Shirley) - L.M. Montgomery, authoress