We all have one. That amazing person that will always be a close friend. You can go months without talking but you pick up like you never missed a beat. A friend that REALLY knows you so even when parted by physical distance, you can always feel that they are near. A million years ago, when I was 13 I was getting ready to start high school. I met a girl who was just amazing. She was smart, tons of fun to be around, loud, crazy............ and she liked me for who I was. She was never judgemental and expected nothing from me but friendship. A few weeks after we met she had a surprise birthday party for me. That was the only time anyone ever did that for me (my Mom tried when I was 30 but that fiasco is for another day!). We would sit on a bridge over the train tracks on Ridgeway Avenue and just talk and eat cheesecake! She has been one of my very best friends for all of these years. When her father passed away I had the meal after his funeral at my home. There is NOTHING I wouldn't do for her.

Today I received a package from her in the mail.

It was a small box accompanied by a note. The note stated many reasons for our friendship. It also said that since she has been collecting antique and costume jewelery for years she has decided to gift some to friends who are important to her. The box contained a string of antique crystal beads with matching earrings! There was a handwritten note that said that the jewelery was her grandmothers. I met her grandmother several times over the years. What an amazing gift. The thought of knowing that I will always have a great friend who loves me dearly warms my heart. And so I hope that you all have a "Lisa Berritella" in your lives!