Circles

I’ve been thinking a great deal lately about the value of the people in my life.

Every person I have met has affected me in some way, whether I realized it or not at the time, whether it was produced a good effect or ill.

I have made friends and family, with love, with amusement, with ease.

I have lost friends and family, with pain, with carelessness, with heartache.

But the people in my life who matter most have traveled with me through the hard times and the easy, the sad times and the happy.

I met my girl because of my best friend. I met some of my best friends because of gaming. I stopped talking to some people because they couldn’t accept me for who I am.

Some I have let go. Some have let go of me. But the people who matter most to me have stuck.

Miles don’t seem to matter. I can live within twenty minutes of someone I have known since second grade and not make the effort to see them, or I can drive for two hours simply to be in the company of a family who have made me theirs and I them.

Last night, I spent the evening with people who have come to mean a great deal to me in a short period of time, when, in times past, I would have elected to spend the evening at home, alone.

Life is all about intersections and connections. Who knew eight years ago when I left Evansville that I’d have so many people to call my own?

I’m really starting to appreciate my own value because I’m starting to see myself through their eyes.

As Christmas draws near, I wish to celebrate the friendships I hold most dear. To friends, old and new, I say, thank you. Even if we have never met.