By David Creel

Columnist

William Shakespeare said it best: “I am wealthy in my friends.”

As I sat with my friends yesterday evening, lifting our glasses and toasting the years ahead of us, I lived in the moment.

While a devoted great-grandmother was busy crocheting a baby blanket for a little one coming in June, we sang old gospel songs accompanied by guitar. My heart was full. Laughter, dancing, and good times abounded as some of us cut a rug to hits from Marvin Gay, Stevie Wonder, and other Motown legends.

Friends come. Some stay. Some go. Some visit for a season, others for a lifetime, but always for a reason. I am blessed with a wondrous collection of them.

From the earliest of days with my best friend Tracey Annette, who swung upside down from MawMaw Belle’s Sycamore tree with me, we rode bicycles and told secrets along quiet country roads. Still to this day we finish each other’s sentences knowing that miles and years only strengthen our bond.

My friend Lyn turned 60 a few years ago and came into my life at the exact right time to remind me that growing old is not in the cards for some of us. She exudes youth and vibrancy. We always turn Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga up loud and dance like no one is watching. Weekends in the French Quarter listening to jazz, sipping Mimosas, and making memories give us reason to live, not just to exist.

The best of family and friends carve out a spot in our heart, make themselves at home in our soul, and we are glad for it. New or old, friends bring adventure just when it’s needed most, help you find your wings when you can’t fly, and say things like, “I know, right?” and “Yeah, me too!” I have explored New York City with Holly, Hannah, Emma, Courtney and Shelby. I got lost more than a few times with Hope, either at a Vanilla Ice concert or laughing so hard while driving that we missed a few turns. I discovered truffle fries in Taos, New Mexico with Carol, snow plowed with my friend Penny, drank far too many midday margaritas with Courtney, and laughed out loud about politics with Jan.

Friends are truly the spice of life, and there are many I didn’t even get to mention here today. As I think back on yesterday’s evening with dear new friends, I am grateful for moments that turn into hours with the family we choose for ourselves. I find myself concurring with Shakespeare for I am, indeed, wealthy in friends, and I look forward to these new friends becoming old friends as time draws us all closer.

Contact David at beautifulwithdavid@gmail.com.