Friends

I first met Jodi Meadows on Twitter where she charmed me with her ferrets and yarn. No, not the story telling type of yarn--although she can to that too--I mean she spins and makes things with it. She is amazing. But what struck me most about her was her sweet nature that shines through every tweet and blog post.

I am quite honored to be able to introduce you to Jodi Meadows.

I am thankful.

I never want to take for granted living in a nice house, having clean water, and knowing where the next meal will come from. I have a good life. A safe life. My needs are met, and I don't know anyone who'd argue that it's important to be thankful for these fundamental things.

Also fundamental, which we might not always remember to count as fundamental, are friends.

I am incredibly grateful for my friends.

My friends give me hope and courage. They make me stronger, smarter, and more compassionate. They laugh at my dumb jokes, make themselves available when I need help. They put up with my yarn pictures and asking of opinions on other yarn things, even though most have no interest in yarning themselves. (Though they certainly like receiving yarny things.)

My friends keep me entertained, and keep me inspired. They know when to tell me I'm being crazy, or not being crazy, and when I need to stop what I'm doing and eat/sleep/play with yarn. They remind me who I am, and who I want to become.

Without my friends, my life would be much different. Sadder. Lonelier. I would not be who I am without the millions of ways they have affected my life.

I am so blessed to have all these people in my life, especially when things are changing so much. They stick by me. They support me. I don't deserve my friends, but I appreciate every moment I'm given with them.

Dear friends: I love you. Thank you for everything.

 

Jodi Meadows lives and writes in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, with her husband, a cat, and an alarming number of ferrets. She is a confessed book addict, and has wanted to be a writer ever since she decided against becoming an astronaut. She is the author of INCARNATE. (2012 Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers) Visit her at www.jodimeadows.com