A special post for a true friend

I was driving tonight, and thinking about friends. I had started out thinking about how I didn't have any 'real life' friends, and only a splattering of internet friends. Sometimes I get bothered by the fact that I don't have real friends; I know it has to do with my shy, anti-social, avoidant personality, and the fact that I just have a hard time putting myself out there to meet friends.

So for the past few years, I've hid behind the computer and have made a variety of internet friends, mostly on mommy sites. Most of those friendships have fallen by the wayside; whether because of the always present chatboard drama, or just from friendships growing apart. BUT, I am proud of the very, very few internet friends that I am proud to still call my friends -- friends that have given me second (and third!) chances of friendship and have given me a chance to do (again) what I've always wanted to do; write for a broader audience, or the friend that has always been a friend to me, no matter how up or down my mood has been and has always been supportive of my decisions.

But one of the most special people in my life, who has grown way past just an 'internet friend' is my friend Gina. We originally met years ago on a mommy board, and our friendship has evolved through the years. Both "Jersey girls"at heart, we formed a fast friendship, and I can't remember a time we didn't talk. However, it wasn't until earlier this year during a marriage crisis where she really stepped up and showed me what a true friend she is. She is the only one of my friends who has ever heard my cry (and curse!) on the phone. She has talked me through so many low moments, so many self doubting, self depreciating thoughts. She has been my cheerleader and my motivational speaker through it all. Now that the marriage crisis has come full circle again, she is there just as before, walking me through everything, telling me to never give me and to remain true to myself.

She has been there when I have been so absolutely low in my moods where I was sure hospitalization was the only option, and has talked me through it. She has offered me to move to OH with her for a few months and get a fresh start on my life.

She's seen me in physical pain - from both a tattoo we got during a trip this past summer to the Jersey Shore, and from Sun burn after my dumb ass refused to put sun block on while laying in the sun for 2 hours.

I could spend hours talking about how wonderful Gina is. Everytime my phone vibrates and I get another text from her checking up on me or just wanting to chat, I'm reminded of just how lucky I am to have a friend like her. I love ya, girl!!