SOL #15 2018

One in a Gillian … by exandra

Yesterday, my ten year old daughter, brought home her opinion writing from school.  Her opening line … “Have you ever asked yourself what a good best friend is like?”  I read on, curious who “Gillian” is, as I know she doesn’t have a classmate with this name.  I’m thinking, what are her latest words of wisdom?  This girl grounds our family-somehow she always finds a way to have our entire family to rediscover what matters in life and to let go of the things that don’t.

“Gillian is my best friend because I feel like I can always talk to her, plus we always enjoy spending time together, and we are always laughing together!  (I call her Gillian, but her real name is Lillian.)  “Oh, Lill … I whisper.”  Of course, Lillian.  My  mind quickly wanders to their playdates and sleepovers when they spend hours giggling, whispering and dancing about the house.  It brings me back to my childhood when my “Gillian” (Stephanie) and I would spend hours choreographing dance routines to our favorite songs like “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” by the Police or burying time capsules in her yard for children of the future to discover.  We shared all of our secrets … from our fears to our most embarrassing moments.

As I read on, I was so grateful that my daughter has a “Gillian”.  Everyone should be lucky enough to have a friend that they can always talk to-that friend that you feel comfortable talking to about your biggest secrets and, more importantly-the friend who is always willing to listen.  The friend who might not always have a solution to your problems, but the friend who leans in closer when you’re sharing your thoughts.  The friend who shows they unconditionally care.

Do you have a “Gillian” in your life?  Are you someone else’s “Gillian”?  We all need a “Gillian”.