A true friend is one of the most precious things in the world. I have such a friend in N. She is wonderful and has been a true and faithful friend for the 35 years. I love talking to her. She always make me laugh. No matter how I'm feeling she's always there to help.

I met N right after Patrick and I got married. Actually I met O, N's husband, when he stopped by our duplex right after we got married. He was so excited about Patrick's new wife that he showed up the next weekend with his wife and baby in tow. N and I connected the first time we met and it's been a wonderful friendship since then.

N and I have been through a lot in our years as friends. We were busy being wives and mothers. We could go for months without talking and then get on the phone and all that time would just melt away.

Don't you just love this picture of our kids so very long ago?

Nancy was left a young widow with two little boys. That was a hard time for her but she amazed me with her strength and ability to handle everything. We continued to talk on the phone through those years. It was hard because Patrick and I were so busy with the company and raising our family. But N and I managed to stay in touch.

N was right there for me when Patrick died. I don't think I could have made it through that time without her. She helped give me the strength I needed to face what was ahead of me.

N's birthday is two days before mine. She is a year younger than me so she turned 59 yesterday. I called her last night and, as usual, spent over an hour talking about our wonderful grandchildren and all the blessings we have.

Even after all we have gone through we can still get on the phone and giggle like school girls. It's so nice to know that no matter how long it's been, I can always pick up the phone and hear her wonderful laugh on the other end.

Thank you N for being such a wonderful friend and Happy Birthday. I love you.