I am the luckiest person in the world, no, no in the universe.

I spent last evening in exceptional company. I find that I am doing this often which leaves me feeling very privileged. What made the evening such an exceptional one? I was in the company of 3 very good friends. 3 of the most wonderful women whom I have had the privilege to call friends for a number of years now.

I had been looking forward to this evening. It had been too long since we had seen each other. Nothing is missing when we arrive. The candles are lit, the glögg is made (and is very yummy), bowls are filled with sweets and chocolates (plus a healthy option) and an antique platter is graced with delicious cakes just waiting to be devoured. Christmas decorations dress the room and the rest of this lovely home. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed as the rest of the family goes about their business.

We settle in for a cosy evening. We are at different places in our lives and yet we have all experienced and cried at heartache and challenges, overcome obstacles, laughed at silly hiccups and got on with life. We are all people who love to laugh. We are all women who have families, some split. The concern and love for our children is always apparent as we frequently discuss and attempt to help each other in negotiating the challenges associated with rearing children some now teens. We help each other.

On some evenings the talk centers on how our children are faring, job situations, practical matters, our daily lives as we live them.

On some magical evenings we touch each other on a much deeper level and we lay our souls bare. No matter the subject we get under the skin and reach the feelings, the deeper values we each hold, our core. We are completely and totally open with each other and nothing is held back. Questions, reflections and opinions are offered up and accepted with compassion, empathy and respect. Such an evening was last evening and I still bask in the wondrous magic of it.

We listen to each other. We do not judge each other however we ask questions, can be critical of choices, voice our opinions with care and love for the other. We trust each other completely. We express concern each one for the other if there is something amiss. We share the joys, the sorrows, the funny mishaps we individually experience. We are there for each other at any hour, in any situation. This we know.

These unique friendships are of the most precious and rarest kind. The friendships demand honesty, respect, authenticity – each of the other. The rewards of the friendships are immeasurable. The friendships themselves are invaluable. They are essential to my well being.

I raise my glass to toast my friends – the magical, stay in your life no matter how dirty it gets, deep in your heart kind of friends. With the deepest gratitude, I am, your friend.

Namaste.