For my best friend Becky...

I received four messages from Becky today. Each one, in turn, made me smile, frown, glower, and smile again. Why, do you ask? Because Becky is having a bad time right now and it frustrates me that I cannot be there to beat off the wolves with a big stick. Yet, despite her own frustration, she tries so very hard to be upbeat and cheerful.

I believe that people have a right to make choices in life, without coercion or judgement from any outside party. Becky has a lot of demands in her life right now - demands from friends, "significant other" individuals, work, family and also from herself. It's a difficult to thing to try and find the right balance that satisfies every aspect and, personally, I've never seen such an effort actually become accomplished. In the process of finding that balance, Becky has to make choices and there will be times where different areas of her life will become alienated for a brief time...at least until she can again devote some attention to it. I understand this because I struggle with finding that balance myself. Every action has an opposite and equal reaction. If you give a little too much at work, then time spent with friends will most likely suffer. It's how life works.

I guess my message to Becky is this: honey, unless I specifically say in my messages "I really need to talk to you, please call me right away", DO NOT feel obligated to return my call if you have other things to do. I often leave you messages just to let you know that I'm thinking of you and to leave you a cheery note in case you are having a bad day. When I'm having a bad day, a cheery message from a friend can make me smile even when I'm tempted to find a punching bag to rip into. You have seven "plus" friends for whom you are the center of a social circle. You can't spend time with all of us as often as you'd like. I hope the others realize that as well and give you a break.

Just remember, no matter where you are, I always have a shoulder and a box of Kleenex handy if you need it. I will always be here for you. (Although I deliberately refrain from calling you too often during the week, I will continue to leave you messages because the truth is that you are in my thoughts everyday.) Have a lovely week, my dear!