Today was a beautiful day with friends.

When I'm in Columbus I always make sure I spend time with my friends. When I lived in Columbus we spent almost every weekend with a house full of people we loved. People who were also in committed relationships and or married. People who have children and just people who love and respect our family. I've never been one of those people who felt it was necessary for all my friends to be in the same place as me in life. It is important however to have people who share the same head space as you. Having friends who respect your relationship, respect your parenting style and encourage you to be your best. My friends are just that, people who encourage me to be my best and who believe in me and my dreams.

Really one of the only reasons I miss Ohio is because of my community of friends and family. Being able to have friends who have children the same age as my daughter, people she grew up with. Being comfortable leaving your kids over someones house that you know lives a lifestyle that you can respect. Those are things you can never take for granted, having peace of mind.

I can say that we have come to Columbus far more often than I thought we would, we also have been blessed to have our friends visit us on more than one occasion. So we have been able to maintain these friendships even from miles away.

You don't have to be one of those people who gets married and only hangs out with married people, or who has children and only has mom friends. What's important is to have friends who support you, who love you and respect you. Titles don't make friendships, good people and real honest dialogue build lasting relationships. Some of my friends are married, some are single, some are parents and some aren't. What makes my community special is the love and respect we share amongst one another. I spend the day at the museum with my sister who has no children and my daughter and her best friend. I have my best friends come over and just sit and play with my daughter and they also don't have any children. I've had my pregnant friends take my daughter for the day and just hang out with her. People who love you will show up and contribute to your life no matter how different it may be. Love is something that is expressed through actions and you will always know when people really care about you and your family.

You will always be a reflection of the people around you, make sure you surround yourself with the best. I know I have.

blessings

Ashley Sirah