My best friend is straight sized. Although she does want to lose some weight, she doesn't know how it is to live in a body that is plus sized.

We went camping over the weekend. Went on some hikes, swam and kayaked. A great time was had by all.

Except on one particular hike. Just one mile, I'm thinking I can handle this. LOL... what I didn't know was it was one mile up the side of a mountain. It was not a fun hike. There was lots of sweating and rest breaks and a few tears of self pity. I wanted to quit so many times. Lots of "you guys go and I'll wait heres." My friend wouldn't hear of it. She patiently and lovingly waited with me. Didn't rush me. Didn't make me feel bad about myself. Was encouraging and everything a friend should be. And we eventually made it up the side of that mountain and the view was truly awesome.

So, to anyone out there who finds themselves in a "friendship" of convenience or necessity, please know you don't have to be. You don't have to settle. You can be a friend's first choice. You can be loved and appreciated when someone knows all of your flaws and weaknesses. You can just be.

My friend has her own trials and failures, that I support and accompany her through. Everyone has their own mountain and we all need that friend by our side.