Let’s face it, everyone has “stuff.” Whether it’s ALZ or some other chronic illness, kid issues, financial hardship, or whatever, we are all dealing with the challenges life throws at us. It’s true; life isn’t always what we bargained for, but if you have a strong support system, you can make it through anything.

This past weekend, I was reminded of how fortunate Jess and I are to have such beautifully caring, supportive friends. Walter Winchell wisely said, “a real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out,” and it’s so true. It’s easy to be there for someone during the happy times, but not quite as much fun when things aren’t all sunshine and roses.

It’s the people who don’t run when times get tough – those are your true friends. They stand right beside you every step of the way, grounding you, reminding you that you aren’t alone, and helping you see that you’re strong enough to get through anything, but it’s okay to have moments of weakness.

The photos below were taken at Eason House last weekend when my oldest and dearest friend, Debby, came to visit and take video of Rodney’s special song for my mom.  When we were in high school, she practically lived at our house, and my mom thought of her as a second daughter.

One of the most memorable of our escapades was the time Debby got into a spat with her parents, packed up all of her dresser drawers (literally), and moved (with the drawers) into our small apartment! That was just one of our many exploits, and here we are 30 years later, still the best of friends…through thick and thin, the good, the bad, and even the ugly.