I wish I were somewhere else right now, instead of home, lying in bed, trying to nurse myself back to health. I wish I was visiting my friend, Debbie.

'Friend' is too little a word for what she is in my life... she's my sister. She's earned her way deep into my heart. Together and over the years, we've been through good and bad. And even when the bads made us lose each other for over a year, we found each other all over again. And now our ties relationship is even better, stonger. Full of truth, sincerity, genuineness, compassion. She's the friend I want to surround myself with every day, the one I want to share every new thing I learn or see. With her, there are no need for secrets. With her, I'm real.

What's bothering me is that a few weeks ago, when I had my meltdown, I needed some time by myself. Of all the people in my life, I know she understands. But then we all got sick at home, and I didn't get a chance to call her. Now, I have no voice, and I can't go visit her because I'm still ill, and I don't want to get them sick. But... she needs me, I know it, and I can feel it. Among many other things, the anniversary of her mother's death is close to a week away. Loss of a loved one is always a tough wound to heal, taking years, and even at that, I believe it always remains open. What changes is how we deal with it. Still, when this time of year comes around, it seems to hit her like a train. I know she needs her time alone, to sort out her thoughts, but she also needs a friend, someone who will listen, even when she has nothing to say. Someone who will listen with the heart.

So Debbie, even though I can't physically there with you... I'm listening.

Since you are here, and if you are so inclined, why don't you stop by her place, and share an inspiring word or thought?