"Don't Be Ashamed to Cry"

So, I have used the song "Stand by You" as a title for a blog entry before, but I feel like it's particularly fitting for the subject of this particular entry. As many of you know and as my entries since August 5 have suggested, my hip injury has impacted me in some way every day since I first felt pain. It occupies my thoughts when I wake up, when I go to sleep, and for many hours in between. This year, however, has been one of the best I can remember. I spent the last two hours talking with a friend who I haven't spoken with much, and I found myself complaining...a lot. What I loved most about the conversation, though, was the feeling that, regardless of everything, he validated my feelings and showed me that he was going to stand by me. I can imagine that friendship with me hasn't recently been the easiest thing, especially given how boring it is to hear about my hip, studying for the bar, or anything else that is really going on in my life. Nevertheless, conversations like the one tonight are the true measure of friendship--when someone takes the time to listen to me, to do the un-fun thing out of love and respect for me, even if the discussion itself wasn't the most enjoyable (or enjoyable in the slightest). Anyway, for Josh tonight and for everyone else out there who has listened to me and been patient or expressed interest and concern about my condition, I want to say thanks. In the coming months, I will need you all to be strong for me--while I study for the bar and prepare myself for surgery. I have no doubt, however, that these same people are up to the task, and I will forever be indebted to them. Much love, A