One problem with moving: you often have to change friends. I have been fortunate to have kept a few close ones as I follow the moving van to another city or state. Good buddies are hard to find so hang on to them. If they are true friends, they’ll be there. Otherwise, they weren’t that committed to the friendship and it’s just as well you find out.

This month I’m writing about my two 911 friends who showed up during those difficult teenage parenting years. I don’t see them much as they live in another state but they are always there for me. Distance makes it a little more difficult to keep things going but it’s worth the effort. For those who have moved, I encourage you to keep those well worn (worn, in a good way) friendships going.

The following is a piece I wrote for the Forsyth Woman magazine blog, 7/09.  The magazine blog is a fun read no matter where you live. (wwww.forsythwoman.com/blog).

Having a 911 Friend

In our overly-stressed, under-nourished culture, a dear friend is highly prized. A good friend may get you through life with a smile and a friendly couch where you can occasionally perch. And a 911 friend… well, she can save your life!

When I had four children at home, three teenagers were teenagers at the same time. I needed a 911 friend.  A 911 friend is someone you can call when you child doesn’t come home by 1:00 AM, gets kicked off of the football team because the coach found marijuana in their school locker and is flunking their favorite subject in school and may not graduate. (Note: If you haven’t parented the teenage years or your children are solid citizens and honor students, read no further).

My friends Marge and Chris showed up in my life just in time. They always called back if I left an urgent message. They never condemned my children or acted shocked. Both understood the nature of the teenage beast and reassured me my children would not end up in jail or flunk out of school. They spoke the voice of reason when my house was filled with teenage hormones and midnight meltdowns. Both, themselves mothers of four children, steadied my ups and downs as I guided my children through the treacherous path to adulthood… And when things did get dark, they cheered me on.  And guess what? Our family survived those years and I now have four wonderful adult children.

Everyone needs a few 911 friends. Do you have one who won’t criticize or judge your parenting? Do you have a girlfriend who reminds you “this too shall pass?”  If you do then you are“blessed” women. If you don’t, then consider becoming one to someone else struggling through life.