What joy there is in knowing and being known, in friendships with people who know what you need to hear and really mean it when they share with you, who do not simply patronize you or pander to your every whim, who will forward an inspirational thought with only their name because they know nothing needs to be said, who will work through moods and misunderstandings , who will find common ground no matter how long a conversation is required to arrive there, friends who allow you to offer constructive criticism and aren’t afraid to give it back all the while knowing that the regard you hold for each other can withstand anything so long as you keep patiently working it out with one another….today, I was blessed with reminders of the depths of friendships in my life and have felt that joy deeply all day.