Friendship (Tara Taylor Quinn)

Friendship is a funny thing.  It happens, in its most perfect form, without us being aware.  And then, suddenly, there it is, in our lives, blessing our lives, appearing out of nowhere to save us from…desolation.

Years ago I was in a position to serve an organization.  I gave my all to it.  Put in the many many hours of unpaid work.  I listened.  I stepped outside myself and made decisions based on the good of the many.  It was a life changing experience for me in many ways.  It gave me insights into government and being responsible for the needs of diverse and vocal people.  It crucified me.

And it gave me my closest friend.  We argued when I first met her.  She had an opinion.  Delivered it strongly.  She was almost twenty years my senior, a decorated journalist and a USA Today bestselling author.  I was published.  Hadn’t hit USA Today yet.  Had written less than half the number of books she had.  And I told her she was wrong.  Because I’d seen a situation and I had to speak my truth.

I didn’t know it at the time, but she listened to what I said.  Thank God I was right.  But the most important thing about the incident was that I spoke from the heart.  And she had the heart to hear my message.

Years passed.  Things happened.  And I was in an untenable position.  I felt completely and utterly alone.  And suddenly, there was this…friend.  At a time when I thought myself physically alone, as well as cast adrift from all that mattered to me, at a time when I was being persecuted, there she was.  Finding me huddled in private, thinking myself alone with my grief.  She found me.  Held on to me. 

Because that’s what friendship does.  A lot is happening in my life this month.  As I write this, my 70^th book is released.  I’m on the Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller list for the fifth week in a row.  Just hit the USA Today bestseller list again.  I’m up for a coveted RITA award and have many galas and fancy parties to attend in New York.  And what I am looking forward to the most…I’m going to be spending a few days with my friend.  I cannot wait to see her.  To look into her eyes.  To walk beside her.  Hear her voice.  Because this is what life is about.  This is what matters most.

And this is the message I hope you get from Once Upon A Friendship.  Cherish your friends.  Tend to them.  Let the little things go.  Work through the big ones.  Because they are the ones who will always be there to catch you when you fall.  To hold you up.  And help put you back together again.

As you read this I am in New York City with my closest friend.  We are spending every minute we can together, talking non-stop and still not saying everything there is to say.  I live for these moments!