It seems like we are all trying to identify the places we are in life by naming eras after them, like the Disney Mom Era, Boy Mom Era, and so many more. While I identify with those eras, there is one I identify with that I am less than proud of: the “Bad Friend Era.”
We have been dealing with so much with our son and his health, and this has put me in a season of life where I have been a little more absent. I forget to answer text messages right away. By the end of the day, I am sometimes too exhausted to do anything fun, and because of my mile long to-do list, I may need to make plans a couple weeks in advance. I can completely understand why I wouldn’t be the first choice in friendship right now; on paper, I don’t look great.
I do have to take a moment to say being in this era does not stop me from caring. I still would drop anything if a friend needed me.
Enough about me though. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the friends that stick around during a season like this one. The ones that,re on top of things in their own lives, remember when I was going out of town for my son’s appointment and texted me to ask how it went. To friends that have sent flowers late in the evening just to brighten my day. To friends that still continue to invite me to things, even knowing I can’t always go. Thank you for not giving up on me. I can’t even begin to express how much the little things – those small signs that they truly care – mean to me.
I also want to say, everyone goes through moments when they may be in their “Bad Friend Era.” Just know when you are in that season, I will be there for you, day or night. We are in this crazy wild world together. Prepare to be smothered with friendship (I’m mostly kidding of course!). But I will do what I can to help you through it. If we happen to share this era at the same time, we can pass delayed texts back and forth, and maybe get together every so often. But we will know that we are there for each other and will help get each other to the next era. During hard times in your life, embrace those friends and give yourself some grace. Life is hard; you can’t always be present for everyone, all the time. Expecting that out of yourself is setting yourself up for failure. Hold onto those friends that understand that.
