The other day Mary Ann said to me, "Do you know, we've been friends for 9 years."

That's the longest I've had a best friend, not counting my husband and my late mother.

My first best friend was a boy, Kenny, from the time I was three until we moved when I was seven. I remember playing by the stream, building mud pies at the edge of the woods, and feeling sad when I said good-bye and Kenny was busy playing and didn't seem interested.

My next best friend was Penny, a girl. We talked of fairies and elves, made petunia dresses for our dolls, played Kings and Queens and rode our bicycles like steeds. One summer we got into a big fight and her mother forbid us playing together. Then she moved. I've often wondered what became of her.

I had other friends in my teens and early twenties, Linda, Hilda, Karen and others but marriage, paid work, and babies got in the way.

Mary Ann and I met when we both served on a board together. We've talked and laughed through sickness and health, life and death. She listened to and encouraged all of my first book. Those of you who are authors will know what a trouper she is!

I admired her artwork and laughed at the funny and touching stories she is now about to have published. We have run this site for 4 years now with only three fights that I can remember. Must be some kind of record.

I hope you all have a best friend. They are the greatest. I've already sent Mary Ann one of our new cards!