Thick as Thieves

Y’all have heard that saying, right? Well, these chicks right here and I are thicker than thieves. We have been friends for 29 years. They’ve always been here – always. I don’t remember life without them actually. We are so close we can finish each others sentences. Okay, you get the picture.

I honestly believed everyone had friendships like ours. I was oblivious to the fact that others really struggle to make – and keep – friends. I guess it didn’t really sink in until our Aaron was in the third grade. He has always been a very friendly and outgoing kid. He wouldn’t hesitate talking to a stranger (I know, stranger danger). So much like his daddy! However, he just struggled in the friend department.

Aaron is in the sixth grade this year. He has been so desperate for a friend that in the past couple weeks he has become “friends” with a kid that doesn’t model the type of behavior and language allowed in our home. Long story short, after some poor choices (and emails from teachers) we had to sit down with him and explain that sometimes it is better to walk alone than to be “friends” with someone that is unhealthy and a bad influence. Y’all. My heart broke in a thousand pieces. He wept. He just wants a friend. I just want him to have a friend. We aren’t asking for a lot. Just one good friend. So we prayed. We prayed for his broken heart, against any confusion created from the whirlwind “friendship,” and we prayed for his future friends. There will be friends.

Life is full of lessons. It is up to us how hard they have to be. This was – is – a hard one for him because of his choices. It is our responsibility as his parents to help him navigate the consequences of those choices.

I am so grateful for my tribe. We have weathered a lot of stuff and been through a lot of life, love and loss together over 29 years.

If you feel alone or are still searching for your tribe, don’t give up hope. Pray for the person/people God has purposed for your life. Sometimes it takes a little while longer for His ultimate plan to come into focus, but I believe with all my heart it always does when we put Him first. And if you are like me and praying for a friend for your amazing kid – don’t stop! Pray every day. Pray for your little person AND their future friends.

If you have your tribe, let them know how much they mean to you. Don’t ever take them for granted!