What would you consider to be the biggest thing you'd ever wish for? If you had your proverbial "wish", would it be for riches or fame? Would your cause be nobler, like wishing away hunger or disease in the world?

I know what my wish would be.

I learned to be argumentative at an early age. I don't really know why. (I'm sure if we sat in this place for a while, we could figure something out.) I do remember very distinctly, however, that I had difficulty at times articulating what I thought. In fact, I still have that problem sometimes! When I was younger, though, it was a deep frustration of mine to not be able to communicate my thoughts on a level that didn't sound selfish or ignorant. I remember that some wouldn't take the time to help me articulate. (Some did, but not many.) I also remember the frustration of either having words put in my mouth or being told I was wasting someone's time. {sigh} Pity me, right?

Fast forward to the present time. I still have difficulty putting words to the thoughts and feelings I have. More mature, I can tell whether I'm having a genuine block or if it's just my brain being too overwhelmed with emotion to put words forth. (I've finally found out that writing helps me express what I can't verbally, or even mentally sometimes! After years and years, I find that I can communicate ideas and thoughts better in type than in tongue.)

In fact, there is only one person in the whole worldmy best friend Michellethat I never worry about making sense to because of the brainwave we share. There is such a commonality between us that amazes us. The times together over dinner, drinks, playing music, or just chatting over the phone...those are memories I keep in a special place and revisit as often as I can. I can say anything to her, and (hopefully) she can say anything to me. There is no fear, because we know each other (you'd think, anyway, after 20 years). We are free to be completely honest in our interactions. If there is no one else in the world I'd want to talk to, I'd talk to her. If I never wanted to see anyone, I can look at her and feel relief. No one else can get away with holding up a mirror to me. This is truly a blessed friendship that has stood the test of time, and I am so blessed to have Michelle as a friend.
What makes this so incredibly special to me? She understands me like no one else, pure and simple. Or, perhaps I should say, she understands me and still chooses to be my friend!

What a great thing to have in your life...someone who understands you.  Someone who knows your good points and bad, triumphs and failures, bad hair days and all, and will still stick by you through it all.

I found myself needing to talk to someone tonight, but not wanting to talk to anyone. Then, all at once, Michelle popped into my head. I dialed, and she was there! (Catching her is a difficult task these days.) In all my blubbering and venting, she listened. When I couldn't find the words, she'd say "I know", because she does. She is so intuitive about the human condition. And she still gets me to laugh by the end of the call! What a treasure she is.

So, my wish? To be understood.

And how lucky a man I am to have that wish so wonderfully met.

Thank you, Michelle.